Manchester City accept opening Al-Nassr bid for Aymeric Laporte as exit talk intensifies

Manchester City have accepted an offer from Saudi-Arabian club Al-Nassr for Aymeric Laporte.

Laporte fell down the pecking order in central defence in City’s treble winning season and is understood to be keen on regular first-team football.

The 29-year-old joined the Premier League champions from Athletic Bilbao midway through the 2017/18 campaign and has been a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side since his arrival to Manchester.

However, the deadline day signing of Manuel Akanji last summer and the form shown by Nathan Ake limited minutes for Laporte in City’s historic campaign last term – which saw them win a third league title on the trot and pick up their maiden Champions League crown.

Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham are amongst the clubs that have been linked with a possible swoop for Laporte, who is believed to be keen on a move away from the Etihad Stadium as he enters the final two years of his current Manchester City contract.

Moreover, the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig is likely to further limit Laporte’s minutes this season should he decide to stay put and fight for a place under Guardiola.

It was indicated that City would actively try and look to sell Laporte after securing the arrival of Gvardiol, who could make his full debut for his new club in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on Wednesday evening.

Manchester City have accepted an offer from Saudi-Arabian club Al-Nassr for Laporte, who is believed to be open to the move, according to The Athletic.

The figures of the offer are yet to be revealed but Manchester City have given the go-ahead for Laporte to seal the move, which would bring in further revenue in a window that has seen the European champions recoup significant funds from stellar player sales.