Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.
The Catalan club lost their legendary centre-back Gerard Pique at the weekend as he announced his retirement from football. His decision has now left a hole in the La Liga giants' backline which needs to be filled.
SPORT are reporting that Inigo Martinez is their number one option to replace Pique in the heart of their defence, adding that the Athletic Bilbao player is well-liked by Barca boss Xavi. However, they add that should they be unable to prise Martinez away a move for Laporte could be on the cards.
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Laporte is also well-liked by the coaching team at Camp Nou and they believe he would be an adequate replacement for Pique. The 28-year-old has recently returned from a knee injury and has made six appearances so far this campaign.
Elsewhere, The Sun are reporting that City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis may have an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium. The defender is currently on loan at Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the Championship and he has managed to assert himself as a first-team regular since making the switch.
However, reports suggest that Harwood-Bellis' good form has not gone unnoticed and that there are a number of Premier League sides who are interested in his services. It is believed that Everton, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all keen on the England U21 captain.
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