Report: Manchester United beat Arsenal to Bilbao defender

Manchester United are reportedly planning a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte.

The Express claims that the Red Devils have agreed to pay Laporte's £32m buy-out clause in January after beating Arsenal to the chase.

The 20-year-old Frenchman joined Bilbao in 2010 and has been a regular feature in the team so far this season, playing 13 times.

However, the report also suggests that any deal for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is dead, with the Chilean set to sign a new contract until 2017 with the Italian champions, leaving United to pursue Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman.

Louis van Gaal's side face rivals Manchester City on Sunday.