Breaking – Manchester United January CB Target Agrees To Sign, €47.5m Deal Agreed, Pre-contract Signed

Manchester United have yet again suffered another huge blow to their defence, as a long-time target, Aymeric Laporte has rather chosen to move to Barcelona come January. The Athletic Bilbao defender has been on the Red Devils’ target for long as Louis van Gaal was interested in his services in order to strengthen the United central defence department. However, he is off market even with the Winter transfer still more than 2 months away. The 21 year-old has reportedly been snapped up by the La Liga giants for €47.5 million.

The former France under-21 international has also attracted Real Madrid following his consistent performances for Bilbao, and he is regarded as one of the best youngster players all across Europe. Barcelona have been linked with the player who became a regular starter for Athletic 2 seasons ago as early as August, as the defence department at Camp Nou has come under great concerns with the level of goals being conceded. Laporte versatility also speaks for him, as he can successfully play as a left-back, a quality LVG no doubt cherishes in defenders.

The Dutch tactician has monitored Laporte for long, as he hoped to bring him to the Theater of Dreams in Winter. United are short of options in central defence as only Chris Smalling and the newly-returned Phil Jones are the primary central backs. He has had to deploy Blind to central defence in the absence of Jones, and was looking at getting a quality central defender that fits the squad mould. Aymeric Laporte, whose current contract was due to expire Summer next year would have been a great choice for the Red Devils.