Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte issues Manchester City denial

Aymeric Laporte has denied suggestions that he is close to agreeing a deal to sign for Manchester City.

Recent speculation claimed that the Citizens had entered advanced negotiations for the Athletic Bilbao defender, who is currently recovering from a broken leg.

However, the 21-year-old has described the reports as being "unfounded and inaccurate".

"Given the unfounded and inaccurate news appearing in the media today, my message to the fans of Athletic is very clear and simple," he wrote on Twitter.

"In my mind I have only the desire to be useful to the club and my teammates, to achieve maximum goals this season, as well as recover well from my injury.

"Athletic will always be the first to know about anything that might happen in the future. My loyalty and deep respect for this club is full."

Laporte made his senior Bilbao debut 2012 and has gone on to make 146 appearances in all competitions.