Manchester City are considering a move for Athletic Bilbao's central defender Aymeric Laporte, sources have told ESPN FC.
The France under-21 international came close to moving to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016 but changed his mind and decided to sign a new contract with the Spanish club.
But City could return with a new bid for the 23-year-old, who signed an improved contract 18 months ago with a buyout clause worth €65 million.
Pep Guardiola has been looking for a new centre-back and has been linked with a move for West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans.
But sources told ESPN FC that City are looking to complete some of their summer transfer business early to try to beat another expected hike in prices.
City are also considering trying to wrap up a deal for Brazilian midfielder Fred from Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
Laporte is considered one of the best young defenders in Europe and has attracted interested from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
He would be available to play in the Champions League and can provide cover at left-back where City are short due to injuries to Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph.