Athletic Bilbao centre half Aymeric Laporte has been called up to the France international squad for the first time in his career.
Laporte has been named in the 22-man French squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Holland by coach Didier Deschamps and if the defender plays any part in either game, he will rule himself out of selection for Spain.
Cope report that whilst new Spanish boss Julien Lopetegui was keen to have him involved in his international setup, the ruling RFEF body had not moved to contact Laporte personally and this has helped his final decision.
Descended from Basque great grandparents, the 22-year-old moved to Spain six years ago and has played over 100 times for Athletic Bilbao and has also captained the French under 21 side, but has previously admitted he would accept a call-up from Spain also.
The Bilbao-based defender is one of six LaLiga stars in the French squad along with Raphael Varane, Lucas Digne, Jeremy Mathieu, Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann.
