Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Aymeric Laporte, Alessandro Rossi Rumours

Athletic Bilbao defensive star Aymeric Laporte has explained why he turned down a £38 million move to Manchester City in the summer after suffering an ankle break and dislocation.

According to Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, the 22-year-old centre-back told French radio he refused the chance to partner John Stones for the Sky Blues after extensive talks with Pep Guardiola, leading the French defender to sign a new contract with the Basque club.

Laporte said he looked at the "pros and cons" with his family and representatives and decided to remain in Spain while he regained full fitness:

"

How did I say no to Pep? By looking at the pros and cons.

I spoke with him for a long time, as well as with my club. I also looked at my family, my entourage.

It wasn’t too early. It was just pros and cons - amount of time on the pitch, me recovering from injury.

These aren’t easy things to think about at my age. In the end, I had to make a choice. I did, and I’m happy.

"

MIGUEL RIOPA/Getty Images

Laporte pledged his future to Bilbao, and he will now cost a new suitor £52 million due to a recently agreed buyout clause, per Brennan.

The centre-back has been considered one of Europe's brightest talents since signing for the Lions at the age of 16.

The defender is yet to make his full international debut for France, but he is expected to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Laporte was recently given his first senior call-up by his country, as confirmed by UEFA EURO:

Laporte was influential for Athletic Club last term, appearing in 35 games in La Liga and Europe across the campaign.

In other Sky Blues news, Guardiola is in hot pursuit of fresh talent and is exploring the potential capture of Lazio's Alessandro Rossi, according to the player's agent.

Fabio Guardabasso told Italian outlet Di Marzio (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) the 19-year-old has caught Guardiola's eye after being promoted to the first-team squad by Eagles coach Filipo Inzaghi.

The attacker has recently scored nine goals in four matches for the youth team but is yet to make his full bow in Serie A.

Guardabasso said:

"

There was a talent scout from Manchester City in the stands this weekend.

Rossi is one of the most important European talents of his age group and over the summer several clubs had already targeted him, but he remained in Rome and doesn’t regret it.

The interest is flattering, but nothing more. He’s keeping his feet on the ground and has his own objectives, first of all to make his Serie A debut.

It's no coincidence that he's the captain and had that role in the youth academy too.

Along with the club we decided to let him grow in house and he's replying with many goals. He has grown so much, especially on a psychological level.

He knows his potential and is a real leader.

"

Here is Rossi in action:

Guardiola has recently captured burgeoning talents to add to his squad after the acquisitions of Germany international Leroy Sane and outstanding Brazil prodigy Gabriel Jesus.

Rossi would comfortably fit into the same bracket as those players, but the presence of Sergio Aguero would seriously limit his game time.

The signing of Laporte would have taken City's defence to the next level, and the cultured player would dovetail with either Stones or Vincent Kompany.

Laporte's decision to stay in Spain was a well-considered plan by the Frenchman, and he has plenty of time before he accepts the physical challenge of the Premier League or opts for one of the continent's superclubs.