It looks like as if Manchester United will go hammer and tongs in the upcoming January transfer market in their pursuit of a central defender. What else can you say when reports from England, France and even Spain are hinting towards the same. French Media Outlet Le 10 Sport have cited Spanish source Fichajes claiming that Louis Van Gaal is ready to plot a €42m move for Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte.

The Guardian have also hinted toward the same saying that the Red Devils are desperate to plug the massive gap in their backline. We had earlier reported in the summer that Laporte had signed a contract extension with Bilbao and his transfer release clause is now set at €42m. Arsenal were also interested in the player but any such move failed to materialize.

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. Le 10 Sport have also cited London Evening standard claiming that Van Gaal will push for Laporte’s signing in the upcoming transfer window.