Aymeric Laporte has claimed that "several clubs" were interested in signing him before putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Athletic Bilbao.

The 22-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, while Manchester United and Barcelona are both believed to be admirers of the French-born defender.

It was widely thought that Laporte would make the move to Man City this summer, but earlier this week, the defender signed a new four-year contract with his Spanish club.

"It's taken a long time to choose the right option for me, but I've concluded that Athletic was the best one. Several clubs were interested in me, with some very exciting and attractive projects," Laporte told Bilbao's official website.

"In the end you have to make decisions and I made mine. I hope everything goes well; I thank the clubs that were interested in me because it means I've been doing the right things."

Laporte's release clause has risen to £51m, while it will become £55m in 2018.