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Manchester United are considering a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte as planning for next season gets under way.

United are pressing ahead with their summer transfer plans in consultation with manager Louis van Gaal despite reports last week that they have held tentative negotiations with Jose Mourinho about taking over from the Dutchman.

Laporte is on a list of potential defensive targets along with Everton’s John Stones and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

The 21-year-old, who is left-footed, is viewed as an ideal partner for Chris Smalling, who is enjoying his best season at Old Trafford since arriving from Fulham in 2010.

In April, Laporte, who is yet to win a senior cap for France, signed a deal with agent Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward after negotiating deals for Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, as well as David De Gea’s new contract.

But there are complications with any potential deal.

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Laporte signed a new contract with Bilbao in the summer that includes a £32m buy-out clause, a fee the Spanish club are likely to demand before letting one of their stars negotiate personal terms with United.

Woodward is well aware of how difficult it is to prise players away from Bilbao after first-hand experience with Ander Herrera in 2013 and 2014.

However, with Athletic sixth in La Liga, he will hope to be able to offer Laporte Champions League football next season as well as a huge jump in wages.

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