Aymeric Laporte may have already told Barça 'yes'

Barcelona could sign Athletic Club's Aymeric Laporte for more than 40 million euros next summer. 

Manchester United and Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for the France U21 international, who could yet decide to represent Spain at senior level. 

However, English newspaper the Daily Mirror are reporting that United have been beaten to the signing of the 21-year-old by Barcelona. 

They say Barça already have a deal in place -- or are willing to pay his release clause -- to take Laporte to Camp Nou. 

The Catalan club signed Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu last summer, but are still thought to be in the market for a younger central defender. 

Laporte is rated among the best defenders in La Liga and is already closing in on 100 appearances for Athletic.