Real Madrid 'interested in €42m Aymeric Laporte'

The 20-year-old French international is enjoying an outstanding season at the heart of the Basque outfit’s defence and his progress has not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Athletic are understood to be in no mood to sell and club President Josu Urrutia’s response to any potential suitors is that they would need to trigger the €42m release clause in the player’s contract.

Los Leones, meanwhile, are keen on Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, who has found it difficult to cement a regular spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI, and are believed to have already asked about his availability.

The European champions, in turn, have enquired about Laporte, who they see as the long-term successor to Pepe and are ready to make a more concerted move to land his signature in the summer.

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