Manchester City Reportedly Close In on £57M Aymeric Laporte Transfer

Manchester City are reportedly set to complete the £57 million signing of Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao before the end of the transfer window. 

According to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, City are set to buy out the defender's Athletic contract. The Etihad Stadium outfit are said to view the France under-21 international as a better investment than West Bromwich Albion man Jonny Evans.

"Athletic have tried to persuade Laporte to stay until the summer, but the defender has indicated he wishes to move to City now at the second time of asking, with Pep Guardiola determined to bolster his central defence this month," Ducker wrote.

The deal is reportedly not straightforward, and City will be "rushing" to get the deal finalised before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday.

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While City have been exceptional in the Premier League this season and hold a 12-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester United at the top of the table, they lack reliable depth at the back.

John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have excelled as a centre-back partnership this season. But behind them, there are big doubts over captain Vincent Kompany's fitness, while Eliaquim Mangala doesn't appear to be at the level required at the Etihad Stadium.

Grup 14's Rafael Hernandez believes Laporte would offer serious competition and has the potential to go a long way in the game:

The 23-year-old has caught the eye in La Liga in recent seasons, developing into a tremendous leader at the back for the Basque club.

It's easy to see why Guardiola has long targeted Laporte. The defender is appreciative of space, able to read attackers' moves and distribute from the back with authority.

In the Premier League, he would face a different type of challenge, as some teams utilise a more direct brand of football. These numbers from WhoScored.com would suggest Laporte is combative enough to cope:

Laporte obviously has an affinity with Athletic, and he turned down a move to City in 2016 in favour of signing a new contract at San Mames, as Ducker noted. However, it feels as though this is the right time for him to embark on a new challenge.

Indeed, Spanish football writer Colin Millar believes the defender's displays have plateaued over the past year:

January may be an ideal time for Laporte to move and come into what is a relatively pressure-free environment at City. After all, they have essentially wrapped up the Premier League title and have reached the Carabao Cup final.

Still, Laporte could give City a boost as they also chase the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup. Based on what we have seen from the defender, he has the potential to thrive under Guardiola and could forge a long-term partnership with Stones at the Etihad.