Laporte snubs Manchester City as he signs contract extension with Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has extended his contract with the Basque club until June 2020, snubbing interests from Manchester City and a host of other top clubs.

Laporte has been heavily linked with a move away from San Mames and news was all over Spain at some point that the Frenchman has already had a pre-deal to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City but the rumours have been quelled after Athletic Bilbao made an official statement confirming that the youngster has signed a contract that would see him stay in Spain until 2020.

Athletic Club confirmed that the player has penned an extension with a release clause of €65 million for the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons which will then increase to €70 million for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. The deal also makes him the best paid player in the history of the club.

Athletic Club did this to keep the 22-year-old at the club and Manchester City will have to look elsewhere for a central defender target and Everton’s John Stones is the prime name.