Aymeric Laporte Tells Manchester City He Wants To Leave The Club

Manchester City could be set to lose Aymeric Laporte, after the centre back told the club he would like to return to La Liga this summer.

Laporte lost his place in City's first XI last season after Ruben Dias joined from Benfica. Initially it looked like it would be Laporte and Dias but John Stones return to form changed all that.

The Spain defender, who changed national allegiance for the Euros, only started 14 games in the Premier League and, with Stones set to sign a new deal, that's unlikely to get much better.

According to 90 Min, the 27-year-old has informed the club that he wants to leave this summer and both Barcelona and Real Madrid are thought to be interested.

Laporte is only interested in moving back to La Liga, having been signed from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018 for £57 million, the transfer release clause.

Laporte scored the winner in last season's Carabao Cup success for City. Image: PA Images

A 'City source' told the outlet, "The player has made it clear he feels a move this summer would benefit all parties, and there is a chance this happens with major interest in him.

"But City are not forcing him out and would be happy for him to stay at the club if that is how the situation plays out."

City have already lost Eric Garcia to Barcelona this summer, with Laporte's international teammate moving for free with his contract having expired.

However the Catalan giants are still hoping to sell Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, as part of their cost cutting exercise, and could then move for Laporte if the finances can be worked out.

Laporte played at the Euros for Spain and not France. Image: PA Images

Real are also potentially in need of another centre back. They have already lost Sergio Ramos to PSG, also for nothing, and Raphael Varane is due to join City's rivals Manchester United.

Los Blancos have brought David Alaba in from Bayern Munich, after his contract expired in Germany, but the leaked contract details have proved there isn't really such thing as a 'free' transfer.

There is talk that all of Real's incoming money from Varane will go towards trying to sign Kylian Mbappe next summer, with a £40 million signing on fee being rumoured.

City meanwhile are concentrating on their incoming signings, with Jack Grealish's move potentially being done as early as Wednesday.

Topics: Manchester City, Football, Barcelona, Premier League, Transfer gossip, Aymeric Laporte, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan Sidle

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