Aymeric Laporte: Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona told to stump up £35m for young defender

The France Under-21 international has attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs

(Getty)

Chelsea and Manchester United will have to pay £35m to secure the services of Athletic Bilbao centre-back Ayermic Laporte, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs since his graduation from the Basque club’s youth set-up in 2012.

Laporte, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona, is yet to gain a full international cap but has represented France at under-21 level.

However, El Correo, the leading daily newspaper in Bilbao, reports Athletic have told any potential suitors that they must meet the player’s buyout fee in order to seal his signature.

Chelsea’s search for a centre-back is no secret following a high-profile but ultimately futile pursuit of Everton youngster John Stones.

Manchester United also need to bolster their defence. The versatile Daley Blind, naturally a defensive midfielder, has played as a makeshift centre-half alongside Chris Smalling for much of the campaign.

Laporte is only the second Frenchman to play for Athletic, whose transfer policy only allows them to sign players of Basque origin.

El Correro also suggest that Manchester City are monitoring the player and could join United, Chelsea and Barcelona in the chase.