LAPORTE LEFT OUT OF ATHLETIC SQUAD AMID MAN CITY SPECULATION

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The Spanish side have fuelled speculation of the centre-back's imminent move by leaving him out of their team against Eibar

Aymeric Laporte has been left out of Athletic Bilbao's matchday squad for a contest against Eibar on Friday, with Manchester City reportedly closing in on his signing.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been a regular for the Basque side this term, playing 19 times in La Liga.

But coach Jose Angel Ziganda has left him out of his squad of 18 players for the Eibar clash, having previously confirmed the Frenchman was available for selection.