Laporte surgery puts question marks over Prem move

Aymeric Laporte: Buy-out clause raised to £52million

Aymeric Laporte: Buy-out clause raised to £52million

Manchester City target Aymeric Laporte has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his broken leg.

The 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao defender injured his right leg in a tackle while playing for France Under-21s against Scotland on 24 March and he will be out of action between three and four months.

Laporte underwent surgery on Tuesday and he should return in time to take part in some of the club’s pre-season.

“The player has been operated on Tuesday 29 March at the IMQ Zorrotzaurre clinic for the injury that occurred last Thursday,” a Bilbao statement read.

“It consisted of an osteosynthesis of the fracture of the fibula and has gone smoothly.

“He will remain admitted for 48-72 hrs, after which he will be discharged if there are no complications.

“The estimated period of recovery from such injuries is between three and four months.”

Laporte is believed to be one of Pep Guardiola’s top summer targets and his injury will complicate his prospective move to The Etihad.

The player is believed to have a £39million buyout clause in his Bilbao contract and City will now want medical assurances on the player before the decide whether to make a move for the player, who is also interesting Barcelona.