Manchester United Transfer News: Aymeric Laporte Fee Named, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have been put on high alert after learning how much it will take to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, but the chase for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann has taken a big hit.  

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with France under-21 international Laporte, and Spanish daily El Correo alleged the club has been informed Laporte can be theirs for the sum of £35 million (h/t Daily Star's Chisanga Malata).

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That's the price of Laporte's release clause, inserted in his contract upon penning a four-year deal at the San Mames in June of this year, which isn't set to expire until 2019.

It's been almost 18 months since Laporte's former team-mate Ander Herrera made a similarly priced move to Old Trafford from Bilbao, but the youngster isn't desperate to follow, as quoted by Malata, telling Spanish newspaper AS: "My name is mentioned in every transfer window and with a lot of teams. I've renewed four times with Athletic. I've done what I wanted, I've shown confidence in the club and them in me. Let's see if we can add more trophies."

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It speaks volumes of United's current defensive situation that Chris Smalling has found form to become one of the club's best assets, with makeshift centre-back Daley Blind adapting well to his new role in central defence.

Andy Scott of Agence France-Presse called for Spain to take advantage of Laporte's residency qualification and call up the 21-year-old, but Kieran Canning stated his allegiances remain with his native France:

It seems only a matter of time until Laporte earns full international honours with Les Bleus and follows Real Madrid's Raphael Varane as one of the country's most promising assets.

Despite his age, Laporte is already a seasoned player with more than 100 appearances for Los Leones, but United face a dilemma in deciding whether he's deserving of a £35 million price tag. 

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At the other end of the pitch, United face a tough task in luring Atletico's Griezmann to Manchester following reports Chelsea are hoping to raid the Vicente Calderon again next summer.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea lead the race for his signature as they source alternative attackers, should Eden Hazard move to Real Madrid next year (h/t Adam Skinner of the Daily Express).

Griezmann is described as the "ideal replacement for Hazard," and that desperation to sign the successor for such a coveted a star could give the edge in the hunt to recruit Diego Simeone's star man.

The Atleti boss was dismayed to see Griezmann omitted from the 23-man Ballon d'Or shortlist released earlier this week, according to Squawka:

The Red Devils have made some substantial additions to their attack in recent months thanks to the arrivals of Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay, but Griezmann could make for another terrifying capture.

The France international could form a potentially devastating partnership with international compatriot Martial, and hopes for his striking future are bright after bagging 25 goals in his first season with Atletico.

For that reason, Van Gaal may prefer to see the out-of-form Hazard remain at Stamford Bridge and not force Chelsea's hand to find another recruit, bringing unwelcome competition to the table.