Manchester City target Aymeric Laporte could be ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a suspected ankle fracture on France Under-21 duty.
Laporte, 21, was stretchered off midway through the second half of France Under-21’s 2-0 win over Scotland on Thursday after a nasty fall on his right ankle.
Reports in Spain emerged earlier in on Thursday suggesting City had matched the €50m (£39.5m) release clause in Laporte’s Athletic Club contract, with incoming manager Pep Guardiola a big fan of the young central defender.
“The player suffered an injury to his right ankle during the Under-21 match between Scotland and France,” a statement on Athletic’s website reads, via Football Espana.
“The first scan detected a fracture-dislocation on his right fibula and ankle. On his return to Bilbao, he will be subjected to further tests, after which the extent of his injury and absence will be determined.”
Laporte is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe and he has previously been linked with a move to Barcelona, but it appeared City had won the race to sign him. That deal would now appear in doubt with the Frenchman unlikely to feature again this season.
He has been particularly impressive in the Europa League this season and his absence will be a big blow to Athletic’s chances of winning the competition. In fact, no player has made more interceptions in the competition this season than Laporte (38).
For more stats on Aymeric Laporte, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
