Manchester City target Aymeric Laporte denies contract agreement

Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte, one of Europe's most coveted young defenders, has shot down speculation he's signed a contract with Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer period.

The 21-year-old denied Spanish media reports that City's already triggered the player's £39-million release clause via his Twitter account Monday.

"Given the unfounded and inaccurate news appearing in the media today, my message to the fans of Athletic is very clear and simple," Laporte wrote, as translated by Sky Sports' James Walker Roberts.

"In my mind I have only the desire to be useful to the club and my teammates, to achieve the best goals this season and also recover well from my injury."

The defender made 26 league appearances for Bilbao this season before breaking his ankle while captaining France's under-21 squad at the end of March.

"Athletic will always be the first to know about anything that might happen in the future. My loyalty and deep respect for this club is full," Laporte tweeted.

Although Laporte signed a new deal with the Basque side through 2019, incoming City gaffer Pep Guardiola is reportedly a big fan of the defender. Inheriting a squad rife with aging players arguably beyond their primes - notably a back four that's had their share of struggles this year - the current Bayern Munich boss will likely look to bolster the side this summer.