Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Close to Signing Gunners Defensive Target as 80% Deal Done

Manchester United are closing in on one of the best young defenders in the world, Aymeric Laporte, who plays for the La Liga side, Athletic Bilbao.

Louis van Gaal, Manchester United manager, roped in a number of players in summer, but the club are determined to further bolster their squad.

The Red Devils presently lie on the fourth place in the EPL standings table and are trying to grab a champions league spot. It would be a great achievement for the club, which performed so poorly last season that the club could not even finish in the top four of the EPL standings.

With the Red Devils still not possessing a world class defender, they are still looking for a defender who would be top class and take control of the game from the backline.

Laporte would suit the demands of the EPL, as he is not only a big physical player, but also quick on his feet.

The deal for the defender is said to be "80% done" if the Daily Star report is to be believed, citing a £25 million fee. It could be a great signing, for the player is yet to hit his prime and with age by his side, he could become one of the best defenders for Manchester United.

Laporte, though just 20, is one of the mainstays of the La Liga club, as he played an instrumental role last season to help his club, Athletic Bilbao grab a Champions League spot.

Manchester United might be eager to sign the player, as they have some injury problems in their defensive line and those representing on the field have not looked very convincing also.

The player has impressed all and sundry with his performances that the player is even close to making an appearance for his national side, France. He has represented France in different age level, including U -17, U - 18, U - 19, U - 21.

The French defender has attracted interest from several top clubs across the English Premier League, which includes Arsenal and Chelsea, where the Gunners scout are said to have kept a close tab on the player.

But, Laporte is not the only defender linked to the Red Devils, for Matt Hummels has been heavily linked with the club and also Diego Godin.

German newspaper Bild had also reported United's interest in Matt Hummels, where the Red Devils would bid around £35m, with the move unlikely during the January transfer window.

A summer move could be a possibility also depending on where Hummels' team finishes in the Bundesliga, as they are presently struggling in the relegation zone with 15 points from 17 games.