Report: Manchester United open Aymeric Laporte talks

Manchester United have reportedly risen to the head of the queue for Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

The 21-year-old, who is believed to have a buy-out clause in the region of £37m, has been linked with a number of clubs over the last 12 months.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all believed to have a long-standing interest in the French-born defender, but according to Sport, Man United have opened talks with Laporte's representatives and are confident of completing a deal this summer.

Laporte has a contract with Bilbao until 2019, but it is widely thought that the central defender will seek pastures new at the end of the season.

The youngster has already made more than 100 La Liga appearances for his Basque club and has found the back of the net on five occasions this term.