Manchester City’s target Aymeric Laporte signs contract renewal with Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a new contract that sees his buyout clause rise to an initial €65 million.

France under-21 international Laporte, who has been regularly linked with Manchester City in recent months, is now tied to Athletic until 2020.

A statement on the Basque club’s official website read: “Athletic Club and Aymeric Laporte have signed the renewal contract by which the player will remain in the rojiblanca discipline until 30 June 2020.

“His cancellation clause is 65 million Euros, and the following seasons will be: 65 million Euros in 2017-2018, 70 million Euros in 2018-2019 and 70 million Euros in 2019-2020.”

Laporte had signed a contract with Athletic last summer that tied him to the club until 2019 and contained a €50m buyout clause.

A source close to City had said last month that the 22-year-old centre-back was Pep Guardiola’s top defensive target this summer