City target Laporte signs new Bilbao deal with €65M release clause

Manchester City target Aymeric Laporte has signed a new deal with Athletic Bilbao that ties him to the San Mames until 2020, the Basque club announced Monday. Crucially, the defender's release clause has increased to €65 million from €50 million, making City's attempt to acquire the 22-year-old that much more difficult.

If City cannot strike a deal over the next couple of months, it could potentially face a €70-million bill for Laporte. His clause jumps another €5 million by the start of the 2017-2018 campaign.

Incoming City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly tagged Laporte as one of eight signings he would like to make upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium. Spanish newspaper Marca added that the Citizens had expressed hope of completing the move this week.

But the contract renewal has added another element to one of the summer's biggest transfer stories.

All the while, Laporte is recovering from a broken leg and dislocated ankle - injuries he suffered during a match with France's Under-21 side.