Aymeric Laporte may rebuff Barcelona to stay at Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte is enjoying a breakthrough season for the Basque side and, naturally, his efforts on the pitch have created speculation that the French-born centre-back could be poised for a move to Barcelona.

However tempting, the Bilbao academy product won't necessarily jump at the chance to join the defending La Liga champions, as others might.

"They're one of the best clubs in the world but you can refuse them," Aymeric told French TV program "Telefoot."

Laporte has been a rock this season for Ernesto Valverde's lot, with 19 La Liga appearances paired with three goals and an assist, in addition to 11 starts in three cup competitions for the sixth-place Los Leones.

"The club haven't contacted me - neither last year, nor the years before that," he said of Barcelona. "I have a path to take - it involves spending these years here in Bilbao."

In addition to the possibility of joining the Catalan giants, Laporte, who has spent five years in Spain without receiving a call-up to the senior side, could register to play for the Spanish national team.

"If really there is no interest for France in calling me up," Laporte offered, "then I'll maybe have to see about other options."

Added the 21-year-old, "But there's only one thing that counts for me - that's the French team. My objective is to reach the senior France national team. I'm still young, and I have a lot of years in which to do that. There is no rush, only a lot of excitement."