- Abdukodir Khusanov is already admired by both Newcastle and Tottenham
- The 20-year-old defender has already been capped 18 times by Uzbekistan
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford
Manchester City are considering a move for Lens centre back Abdukodir Khusanov.
The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international is admired by Tottenham and Newcastle also.
The 2004-born starlet has already been capped 18 times by his country as he emerges as yet another bright central defensive prospect to flourish in the French top-flight.
Any pursuit from the Premier League could see Lens turn over a healthy profit on the player they originally signed for a reported £100,000 fee back in 2023.
Khusanov was brought to the Ligue 1 outfit from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, who had only brought the defender to Europe in 2022.
In 13 league outings this term the Uzbekistan international has kept an impressive seven clean sheets, though he has also picked up a straight red card that saw him sidelined for a 3-1 defeat by Marseille.
Manchester City are considering a move for Lens central defender Abdukodir Khusanov,20
Pep Guardiola has already hinted that his side could look to strengthen in the January window
City could face competition from both Tottenham and Newcastle (pictured: Magpies boss Eddie Howe)
After just 16 minutes in the first two outings of the campaign, Khusanov has become one of Lens’ most regular features.
Barring the 59th-minute red card – and ensuing ban – he picked up against PSG in a 1-0 defeat in November, he has played every minute in the league from matchweek three.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently have Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and John Stones on the books, though injuries have seen the champions struggle to name their ideal starting pair on a regular basis.
With City on a desperate run of form that has seen them drop out of the title race and even the top four, Guardiola has previously hinted his side could look to strengthen in the January window.
‘In some positions we need help,’ the Spanish manager told Match of the Day ahead of the market opening.
‘When we’re all together we’re the team we were but with important players out for weeks and months it’s so difficult.
‘I thought central defenders would be fit all season but we’ve struggled, holding midfield and central defenders we need help.
“The market is the market, not easy, expensive so we’ll see what the club can do.’