Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their attempts to land Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte after he hired the same agent as Red Devils duo Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
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Marca reports that Jorge Mendes, one of the most high-profile figures in the game, will now look after the interests of the highly-rated centre-half and United will hope his strong ties to some of their current players will give them the edge over bitter rivals Man City in the race for his signature.
The 20-year-old has been an ever-present for the La Liga side this term, making 40 appearances in all competitions, and picking up 12 yellow cards in the process.
It is thought that the Frenchman will have no shortage of suitors when the summer transfer window opens, with United hoping the latest development will shove them to the front of the queue.
Laporte still has three years remaining on his contract at Bilbao but could be tempted by the prospect of playing Champions League football next season.