Crystal Palace 'eyeing deal for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte'

Crystal Palace are reportedly lining up an ambitious move for Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

The Spain international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, and he is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium before the end of the summer transfer window.

According to the Daily Star, the Eagles are eyeing a move for Laporte, who is believed to be prepared to leave the treble winners during the current market in search of regular action.

The report claims that Palace head coach Roy Hodgson views Laporte as a leading target and is hopeful of convincing the Spaniard to make the move to Selhurst Park during the summer window.

Laporte started his professional career with Athletic Bilbao, representing the Basque outfit on 222 occasions before making the move to the Premier League in 2017.

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The centre-back has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League during his time in Manchester.

Laporte was a part of the Citizens squad that won the treble last season, but he was restricted to just 24 appearances in all competitions, with just 12 of those outings coming in the Premier League.

Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake are all ahead of him in the pecking order for the starting roles in the middle of the defence.

Man City are seemingly preparing to make another defensive addition this summer, meanwhile, with RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol being heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

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The Citizens are believed to want £35m for Laporte, who has another two years left to run on his contract.

Palace are thought to be willing to improve his £120,000-a-week wage packet, but the Eagles are not currently prepared to meet Man City's asking price.

Hodgson's side have only made one signing during the summer window, with Jefferson Lerma moving to the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Man City's most notable departure this summer has been Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, with the German moving to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are also believed to be keeping a close eye on Laporte's situation at the Etihad Stadium with a view to a potential move.