Fabrizio Romano issues major Newcastle United transfer blow as Manchester City swoop in

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Fabrizio Romano has some bad transfer news for Newcastle United on Wednesday afternoon.

While the Toon Army are flying high after Newcastle United’s win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, there is still the opportunity for Eddie Howe’s squad to get even stronger.

The January transfer window is open, but we are yet to see Newcastle United burst into life. In truth, they may never, as it has been claimed that Newcastle must sell before they buy.

But that has not stopped rumours about possible incomings. It was even claimed that Abdukodir Khusanov was in advanced talks to join Newcastle United.

However, that no longer appears to be the case.

Fabrizio Romano shares Abdukodir Khusanov update

It was reported on Tuesday that Newcastle are unlikely to sign Khusanov due to their financial situation.

That was a blow, and now the Magpies are edging closer towards definitely missing out on the RC Lens centre-back.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an update on Khusanov’s future on X.

Romano wrote: “Contacts continue between Man City and RC Lens for Abdukodir Khusanov, deal on. He’s on top of Man City list, as exclusively revealed last week.”

Newcastle United will not panic despite missing out on Khusanov

So the deal is on, as Newcastle United seemingly get set to miss out on a young centre-back who looked ideal for Paul Mitchell’s vision for the club.

Khusanov is just 20-years-old, and would become the first ever player from Uzbekistan to compete in the Premier League if he joins Manchester City.

His rise has been remarkable, and the hope was that Khusanov’s journey would continue at Newcastle.

But Jorge Mendes has been tasked with sorting out a January move, and it looks like the super-agent could line up a deal for him to join the Premier League champions.

It is a blow for Newcastle, as Khusanov looked like a smart signing. He could have been Sven Botman’s long-term centre-back partner at St James’ Park.

Instead, Eddie Howe and the Toon recruitment team must look elsewhere.

There will be no panicking from Newcastle United officials, as the club’s centre-back position has improved drastically in the past few days. Botman is back from injury and has played very well, which means Newcastle should be able to survive with their current centre-back options until the summer.

That gives Paul Mitchell more time to identify possible signings.