Manchester City are back on the trail of French defender Aymeric Laporte, who rebuffed their advances 18-months ago.

City thought they had landed the highly-rated Athletic Bilbao centre-half back in 2016 – but he then penned a new deal, much to the annoyance of the Citizens’s hierarchy at the time.

Now with the club looking for a new central defender, it is understood from sources that City have been made aware that a deal could be done.

City are already leading the chase for West Brom’s Jonny Evans – but now the club’s are taking another close look at Laporte – although they would have to pay his release clause of around £60million.

It remains to be seen which avenue City will go down. Evans was seen as a player who could provide quality cover, where as Laporte is someone who would be expected to start – although there is around £40million price difference between the two.

Bookmakers certainly feel there is a real chance that Laporte could make the move, and BetVictor list him at 7/4.

Their Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt commented: “Manchester City have been backed into 7/4 from 2/1 to secure his signature and with the player keen, this looks a transfer of real possibilities if the clubs can agree a fee.”