Fabrizio Romano shares centre-back transfer twist after Newcastle United advances

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Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov is attracting interest across the Premier League and Europe.

At just 20 years old, Khusanov is a consistent name in Lens’ starting XI, making a name for himself thanks to his impressive performances – propelling Will Still’s side up to seventh in the table, just one point off a European spot.

Newcastle like Khusanov but signing a defender in the transfer window is not a priority for the club. Toon boss Eddie Howe wants a striker, winger and goalkeeper in January and have their targets set out.

The hope is that there will still be enough legroom to sign a defender despite being held back by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules – they nearly cost Newcastle points at the start of the season.

Now, football journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Khusanov as a move away from Ligue 1 looks more probable.

Manchester City add Khusanov to January transfer list

While Newcastle are claimed to be close to signing Khusanov having made a move for the defender, and several others are interested in signing the young defender.

According to Romano, Man City has added the 20-year-old to their list of January targets. The Cityzens have been struggling for form lately – even Newcastle have leapfrogged them in the Premier League table. They believe Khusanov is a player who can sure up their currently leaky backline.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	ChelseaChelsea	19	10	5	4	38	23	15	35
5	NewcastleNewcastle	19	9	5	5	32	21	11	32
6	Man CityManchester City	19	9	4	6	32	26	6	31

Key:

Position 1 – 4 : Champions League
Position 5 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 – 20 : Relegation

Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested in Khusanov as they look to strengthen their defence with their backline enduring an injury crisis as of late.

Newcastle have also struggled with injuries in defence recently. Both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have missed nine months of action after sustaining ACL injuries in March. Botman could be available for the Magpies trip to Tottenham on Saturday.

It is believed Khusanov would cost around £20million in January, a small fee for such a talented player.

Khusanov compared to Newcastle defenders

Newcastle lack youth in their defence with Dan Burn 32, Fabian Schar 33 and Lascelles now 31. With Botman only 24, Howe needs a defender who can partner the Dutchman for many years to come.

Howe wants a defender who will be comfortable on the ball, Khusanov would be exactly that. Statistics show he isn’t afraid to put himself on the line for the ball and is happy to progress the play like Burn and Schar already do.

The 20-year-old has plenty of potential to develop but it’s a huge task for sporting director Paul Mitchell who has to go head-to-head with many other top clubs across Europe.