Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte admits interest from Manchester City gives him "security".
Laporte attracted a serious approach from City last summer and continues to be watched by the Premier League leaders.
He said: "It gives you security, I'm grateful that a big club values me and puts me at their level."
Laporte also was full of praise for Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, who left Bilbao at the end of last season.
"The best form in my time at Athletic has been with him," said the Frenchman. "He improved us a lot, he knows how to lead the group, to have everyone plugged in. He sees football very well, he is calm.
"Although he is not super-close, when he has to talk to you, he does it."