Manchester City have agreed to meet the buyout clause of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte.

Marca says City are closing in on a £57million deal for Laporte.

The French defender, 23, rose through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao to become one of Europe's top prospects.

And City will match his release clause to land their man this window.

Laporte is believed to be ready to agree a five-year contract with the Citizens, who he nearly joined in 2016.

His release clause then was just £43m, with Marca claiming his price is set to jump to £61m if City cannot complete a deal in January.

Centre-back Laporte is extremely comfortable on the ball and should fit Pep Guardiola's system well.