Crystal Palace have emerged as a shock suitor for Aymeric Laporte as Manchester City are willing to take a substantial loss to sell the Spanish international.
According to Daily Star, Crystal Palace are planning on approaching Manchester City for defender Aymeric Laporte. The Spanish international is less popular under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, as the club could look to sell him, albeit taking a substantial loss on their investment.
Aymeric Laporte ended up being a masterstroke of a signing when Pep Guardiola convinced Manchester City to spend £58 million on the Spanish international. He has proven his worth under the Catalan, playing instrumental roles in multiple Premier League triumphs.
However, he was a peripheral figure in the side last season, having fallen down the defensive pecking order. Despite Guardiola often playing four centre-backs in his setup, Laporte found game time hard to come by. The treble-winner managed 24 appearances but remained well behind the likes of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.
Guardiola may have moved away from the 29-year-old’s style despite boasting a unique profile for a central defender. Manchester City are aggressively chasing Josko Gvardiol, which would spell the end for Laporte at the Etihad.
Manchester City are willing to take a substantial loss on their £58 million investment and sell Laporte for £35 million in the current market. The Spanish international has no shortage of suitors, with Chelsea among those keen on the 29-year-old centre-back.
Crystal Palace have emerged as a surprise suitor to sign Laporte, expressing their interest in the 29-year-old. The Spanish international may not necessarily favour a move to Selhurst Park, considering the other suitors in line, but they could become an option.
Roy Hodgson wants a new centre-back to strengthen his backline and lacks a left-footed option in his squad. Alternatively, the veteran manager might view Laporte as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who remains linked with a move away.
Either way, Laporte will strengthen Crystal Palace’s backline, but they will face fierce competition from English and foreign clubs. Then there is the question of whether the treble winner would prefer to join Hodgson’s side over others.
Manchester City will see no harm in letting him leave, as they have ample choices in the position. Their chase of Gvardiol will all but end Laporte’s time here, but the fact that they are willing to let him go by taking a loss remains the surprising factor.
