Manchester City are close to activating the release clause of Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
The Sun claims Pep Guardiola is pushing the board to spend the £60m necessary to sign the 23-year-old.
Guardiola is a long-time fan of Laporte, who has been branded as one of Europe's most exciting prospects.
He made his Bilbao debut as an 18-year-old and has gone on to make over 200 first-team appearances.
The Frenchman has also been scouted by PSG, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Laporte would be able to compete in the Champions League with City having not played in Europe for the Basque club this season.