Aymeric Laporte (left) in action for Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte says reports that he has agreed to join Manchester City are "unfounded and inaccurate".

Reports in the Spanish media claim City had activated the £39m release clause for the 21-year-old.

However, in a statement on Twitter, the defender wrote: "Given the unfounded and inaccurate news appearing in the media today, my message to the fans of Athletic is very clear and simple.

Pep Guardiola is believed to be a big admirer of Laporte

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

"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."

Despite his denial, Sky Sports News HQ understands City are interested in signing Laporte.

Incoming manager Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the 21-year-old and City sporting director Txiki Bergiristain went out to see him in Spain last month.

Laporte is currently recuperating after breaking his leg while playing for France Under 21s in March.

The defender signed a new deal at San Mames last summer that keeps him at the club until 2019.