In the English Premier League, Manchester City have signed defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao in a deal worth a club record 65 million Euros. The Frenchman arrives in England after six years with the Basque club and becomes Pep Guardiola's first signing of the January transfer window. 

Laporte began life in the Spanish fourth division with Basconia in 2011 before making the switch to Bilbao in 2012. After 161 appearances with the La Liga outfit, the 23-year-old had his release clause triggered by the Cityzens last week. The 65 million fee trumps the previous 55 million City spent on Kevin De Bruyne three years ago. Injuries to captain Vincent Kompany and a lack of faith in Eliaquim Mangala has left the Catalan coach without a center-half to challenge John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.

New deal will keep Spanish defender at Nou Camp until 2022.

Elsewhere, Gerard Pique has signed a new contract with Barcelona which will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2022. The Spanish international rose through the ranks at Barca before a brief spell with Manchester United. After rejoining his boyhood club in 2004, he has won a staggering amount of titles including three UEFA Champion Leagues La Liga six times and five Copa del Reys.