Report: Manchester City continues Laporte pursuit despite long-term injury

Manchester City is believed to still want Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao this summer, despite the defender expected to be unavailable until August as he battles his way back from a broken leg and dislocated ankle.

Laporte is roundly reported to be a prime target of incoming manager Pep Guardiola for what could be as many as eight new signings at the Etihad Campus, and the Guardian's Daniel Taylor understands that City may need to meet a release clause of around £39.6 million to sign him.

The 21-year-old suffered his significant setback while representing France Under-21s against Scotland last month, but he is recognised as one of the few top quality centre-backs expected to be available in the transfer window, so City is prepared to pay a premium.

John Stones has also apparently been cited as a potential defensive signing by Guardiola, although there could be competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United for the Everton and England youngster.

Incumbent boss Manuel Pellegrini has shuffled his back four considerably this term but has struggled to discover a combination that has provided any real consistency. Skipper Vincent Kompany has struggled with an injury-riddled season, Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi have both appeared to lack concentration, while Martin Demichelis is certain to leave this summer after looking every bit of his 35 years in his sporadic showings.

The full-backs are also under review due to left-backs Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy and right-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna all aged 30 or over.

Related - Zabaleta: 'We expect big changes' at Manchester City

City returns to Premier League action with the visit of Stoke City on Saturday, which comes three days before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.