According to eminent Spanish journalist Guillem Ballague, Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte would be happy to join Manchester United if the Red Devils pay £31m ( €42m) release clause to the Andalusian club.

On Laporte. Buyout clause £31m. Athletic Bilbao, who expect an offer from MUFC, wont sell for less. Laporte happy 2 go if Utd pays full fee

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 26, 2015

There is no doubt that Manchester United would love to add some defensive strength before the winter transfer window slams shut. It is not the first time that Laporte has been linked with United. Back in November I had reported that Louis Van Gaal was plotting a move for the 20 year old.

Laporte is one of the most sought after defenders in the La Liga and has established himself as a key figure in Bilbao’s heart of the defense over the past couple of years. The Frenchman had 35 appearances in the 2013-14 season as the Basque club qualified Champions League football this season after beating Italian side Napoli in the playoffs.

However what remains to be seen is whether United are ready to splash the huge cash for a relatively young player with no experience of Premier League Football. But should United go ahead with the offer, they could complete the deal as they have good relationship with the Spanish club from whom they bough Ander Herrera in the summer.