Aston Villa have reportedly held talks over a potential deal to sign Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City.
Laporte has been linked with leaving the Premier League champions after struggling for status this season, with the 29-year-old restricted to just 11 league starts for Pep Guardiola’s side.
According to 90min, Villa are keen to offer Laporte a route to regular first-team football as the club look to back Unai Emery in the transfer market.
Villa showed remarkable improvement following Emery’s mid-season arrival as manager and their impressive run of form led to Europa Conference League qualification.
The club’s owners are now prepared to invest ahead of a first European campaign since 2010/11 and Villa have reportedly held talks over a deal for Laporte, who is valued at around £40m. Tottenham have also been credited with interest in the Spain international, who is expected to move on after falling out of favour at City.
Villa are also considering an approach for Laporte’s international team-mate Pau Torres. Emery worked alongside the 26-year-old at Villarreal, winning the Europa League in 2020/21, and the defender has a release clause of around €50m in his contract at El Madrigal.
