Man Utd to meet Laporte’s release clause

Premier League giants Manchester United are ready to match the release clause for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, Sport understands.

The France Under-21 international has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest commodities and it looks as though he will be leaving los Leones for greener pastures at the end of the season.

According to Sport, Manchester United are ready to go the extra mile to secure the youngster’s services as they will reportedly meet his €50 million release clause.

They plan to offer Laporte a long-term deal worth €7 million per season and thus fight off interest from other top European clubs.

And even though the Frenchman would prefer to join long-term admirers Barcelona, he will probably have no choice but to accept an offer from Old Trafford as the Catalans are unlikely to match their proposal.

After defeating Marseille thanks to another stunning strike by Aritz Aduriz, Athletic are 20/1 chance to lift the Europa League trophy.