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Manchester City will have to trigger Aymeric Laporte's £39.6m release clause if they want to lure him from Athletic Bilbao, after learning that the centre back is refusing to agitate for a move.

Pep Guardiola has instructed sporting director Txiki Begiristain to pursue a deal for the 21-year-old in his first transfer window at the Etihad.

It is believed that Athletic's near £40m valuation is not seen as prohibitive, with City's incoming manager identifying him as a player capable of playing at the top level for years to come.

But Laporte has been determined not to push for a move - even taking to Twitter last week to deny reports that a deal had been done.

And Athletico president Josu Urrutia insists Laporte isn’t trying to force his way out - despite being one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer.

“Neither Laporte nor any other player has told me he wants to leave Athletic,” Urrutia said.

“The way the club works is to give as few clues as possible and work discretely.

“In these five years I think the message Athletic has put out is that we are not a selling club.”

Laporte is currently recovering from a broken leg and dislocated ankle suffered while playing for France under-21s against Scotland in March and isn’t expected to recover until the beginning of the new season.

Despite his setback, City remain prepared to trigger his £39.6 million release clause, such is the high regard he is held in by Guardiola.

Urrutia, though, believes City will have a battle on their hands because the centre-back is treated well by the Spanish side.

“With Laporte, or whoever, we treat them so they feel important and valued. He knows he’s important for the coach, that his team-mates value him, the fans love him and the board are enamoured with him."

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