The January window has been open less than a week, yet one name who has been continually linked with a potential move to St James’ Park is Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Uzbekistan sensation appears to be a 2025 alternative to Marc Guehi, with Paul Mitchell pushing the club to pursue young, value-for-money gems over expensive Premier League players with huge price tags.
Today, an update has arrived from France on Khusanov, suggesting Newcastle are very much in the race but face serious competition for his signature.
Newcastle facing heavyweight battle for Ligue 1 star
According to a lunchtime exclusive from Foot Mercato, Newcastle are showing ‘very concrete’ interest in Khusanov – but they’ve been joined by TWO European giants in Man City and Real Madrid.
Man City’s interest has been made public over the past week, but Foot Mercato state that Real Madrid are now in contact over a potential deal for the 20-year-old.
On top of that, they reveal that City officials have already held talks with Khusanov’s father and his agent, also sharing fresh quotes from his representatives on a potential January move.
Speaking to Foot Mercato, his entourage said: “The player loves RC Lens with all his heart. But we understand the club’s desire to gain financial benefit from a transfer, and they deserve it for their confidence in the young player.
“We’re grateful for everything Lens has given us and in this situation, but it is up to the player to decide the next step. Abdukodir is ready to stay a few more months at Lens if necessary.
“The player’s sporting development is a priority and that’s why we decided to sign for Lens at that time while we had other offers…”
The report also states that Lens will demand ‘much more’ than the £25m suggested for the defender, with Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also keen.
Lens chief hints at exit
Lens’ managing director, Pierre Dréossi, has also been discussing the player’s future this month, all but confirming the 20-year-old will depart.
Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Khusanov will leave, there have not been any good offers yet. We have the best defense in the championship. So it’s true that if Khusanov leaves…(he will be a big miss).”
“If he has to leave and if the offers are interesting, it’s mainly to try to find an economic balance. I hope that with his sale, we will return to a level that corresponds more to that of RC Lens, but without less ambition.”
I’m curious.
What’s the difference between “concrete interest” and “very concrete interest”?
Is it the same as the difference between something being “unique” and “very unique”?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
They come late and finish everything quickly while we spend ages on scouting and discussing.
Beautiful mind(Quote)
if Real and City are chasing him then is there really much point in even reporting that we are interested??
sgbus(Quote)
Real and city won’t offer the opportunity to go into the first team .. Newcastle would be a better prospect if he wants game time and top coaching from Eddie ..
Mike(Quote)