This would be bad news for Manchester United.
Because while Louis van Gaal has added the likes of Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw to his defence in just over a year, he has yet to land a long-term successor to Rio Ferdinand – a player who could deal with the rough stuff but also pass the ball beautifully.
And we felt that, while he may represent something of a gamble, that Aymeric Laporte would be the perfect solution for Manchester United.
But The MEN reports today:
The 21-year-old French defender has been scouted extensively by United over the last two years, however reports claim he will join Barcelona next summer.
Laporte has ten years at the top in the tank
The briliant young centre back is one of the few Frenchmen ever to play for Athletic Bilbao, a club which is fiercely loyal to homegrown talent, and he signed a new contract in the close season which will keep his sell on value high.
But the worry is that his agent Jorge Mendes is preparing to do a deal for the lad to join Barcelona.
He is certainly good enough to play for Barcelona and they will know all about La Liga star.
But perhaps Manchester United can still do a deal in the January window.
Because this young player is as close to a dead cert as they come.
Let’s take a look at the maestro in action.
Manchester United fans: worth a punt?
