Report: Manchester United want Aymeric Laporte

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte in the January window.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in European football and has strongly been linked with Barcelona over the last 12 months.

However, according to Fichajes.net, it is United that currently lead the race after scouting the Frenchman on a consistent basis.

It is thought that Laporte has a £32m release clause, but that figure will not prove problematic for Louis van Gaal's side.

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the centre-back.