‘Lewis Hall level signing’… Newcastle United fans excited after hearing who could join in January

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Newcastle United have been linked with a Ligue 1 defender and fans love the sound of it.

The Magpies are expected to be busy in the January transfer window with fans anticipating several arrivals and a number of exits to keep the club clear of any PSR problems.

Newcastle’s recent form shows that they could be just a few quality additions away from staying in the race for the top four. Eddie Howe’s side sit just five points off fourth thanks to Thursday’s win against Aston Villa.

Howe has informed sporting director Paul Mitchell of his targets and although a defender isn’t a priority there could still be an incoming if the budget is there.

It was no secret that Marc Guehi was a Newcastle target in the summer but failed bids and a new transfer strategy mean Mitchell has looked outside of England for cheaper alternatives.

Now, recent reports say that Newcastle have identified a cheaper, younger target which fans have expressed their opinions on.

Fans react to Newcastle targeting Abdukodir Khusanov

Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov has impressed under manager Will Still this season and looks to be one of the hottest prospects in the Ligue 1. Newcastle have been linked with Khusanov who is the right fit for Mitchell’s new transfer policy.

Now, i news are reporting that there is concrete interest in the 20-year-old who would be available for around £20 million.

Newcastle fans have now reacted on X and are delighted with the plans in place.

“This is more like it! Yes Mitchell,” one fan wrote. While another added, “This would be perfect if we can get him in before the arsenal game”.

This fan took aim at Guehi’s rejected bids in the summer: “Love a signing like this, would cost a fraction of Guehi,” they wrote.

Another fan added: “Hope to see us doing deals like this. Getting players on the way up rather than overpaying for players”.

“Love the sound of this deal,” wrote one fan.

Finally, another stated: “Hope they pull this off. This guy is a machine.”

• READ MORE – Paul Mitchell may be forced into action to bring Newcastle loan star back in January

Khusanov compared to Newcastle-linked defenders

Newcastle have been linked with a fair share of defenders who could move in January. The Magpies are considered favourites for Fikayo Tomori whereas Juventus may snap up Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva.

Khusanov edges the other two in all except two of the areas, he makes fewer tackles than Silva and completes fewer passes than the Portuguese international and Tomori, a statistic Howe is sure to watch closely as he likes his defenders to be comfortable on the ball and make lots of passes.

Silva would cost Newcastle around £41m in January compared to Tomori and Khusanov who are both valued at £20m.