Aymeric Laporte ‘is looking to leave Man City this summer’ as he searches for regular game time… with ‘Barcelona keen on the defender and Josko Gvardiol lined up as a replacement’ for Pep Guardiola’s side
Aymeric Laporte could leave Manchester City in the summer, according to reports.
The defender is one of manager Pep Guardiola‘s most reliable players, especially in his new back three system that has been seen regularly since the World Cup.
But rotation is important to Guardiola, and Laporte, like other City players, finds game time inconsistent.
According to sport.es, Laporte is looking to join a side where he can be guaranteed regular minutes as a starter.
He has made just 15 appearances for City this season, with injuries and the presence of Nathan Ake costing him minutes.
Aymeric Laporte is reportedly looking to leave Manchester City at the end of the season
The defender has found minutes limited at City under manager Pep Guardiola (left)
The defender, 28, was an unused substitute against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
Barcelona are reported to be interested in his services, though face an uncertain future with it currently unclear if they will be able to sign players in the summer.
The Spanish side have been informed they will have to raise £178million from selling current players if they are to have any chance of entering the transfer market.
LaLiga chief Javier Tebas said on Thursday: ‘As of today, Barcelona doesn’t have any room in its budget to spend in the upcoming transfer window.’
Xavi’s Barcelona are said to be keen on signing Laporte if they are able to do business
Josko Gvardiol has ben touted as a possible replacement if Laporte was to leave the club
Gvardiol has impressed at RB Leipzig and is one of Europe’s most sough-after players
If Laporte was to move on, it is reported City will turn their attention to the highly-rated Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol, 21, is one of Europe’s most sought-after defender after impressing for RB Leipzig in recent times.
He would fit the mould of a left-sided defender that City would desire, but would command a hefty fee.
City would still have Ake, John Stones, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji available to play in central defence, but would…