Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane reportedly wants to do battle with new FC Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde for a star valued at €52 million.
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The Frenchman recently became the first manager to win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, and is now busy planning his squad for the new season.
According to Diario Gol, Zidane is eyeing Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte to replace the departing Pepe.
The Portuguese defender's contract with the Santiago Bernabeu club will reportedly not be extended, and Los Blancos are keen to bring in 23-year-old Laporte instead.
However, in what could become one of the biggest transfer battles of the window, Real will have to beat their bitter rivals Barcelona to secure the France international's signature.
The Catalan giants do have a trump card in their favour, though: the connection between Valverde and his former player.
Laporte made 175 appearances under the new Catalan boss at Bilbao, and the manager reportedly wants to lure him to the Camp Nou to replace the ageing Javier Mascherano.
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The defender was heavily linked with an exit from Athletic last season, but opted to extend his contract until June 2020 instead, with his new deal including a reported buyout clause of €52 million (R737 million).
Real or Barca – where would you like to see Laporte next season? Have your say in the comments section below.
