Newcastle United and Tottenham ‘miffed’ after missing out on major signing

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The goalposts have been moved as Newcastle United prepare to miss out on Abdukodir Khusanov to Manchester City.

After missing out on Marc Guehi in the summer, Newcastle United have been in the market for a right-sided centre-back.

It looked like Abdukodir Khusanov could be the man for the Magpies, with Paul Mitchell taking a close look at the Uzbekistan international.

Newcastle scouted Khusanov in October, before making their move in January. It was reported that Khusanov was keen to join Newcastle, as clubs from around Europe queued up to sign the 20-year-old.

Khusanov has become a man in demand, decreasing the likelihood of a move to Tyneside. It has now been reported that Khusanov to Newcastle is unlikely, with the Magpies’ financial issues proving to be a major stumbling block.

Newcastle United priced out of Abdukodir Khusanov deal

And that is because RC Lens have raised their asking price.

It had looked like the defender would cost between £20million and £25million, with Newcastle and Tottenham in talks to sign Khusanov.

However, both sides are set to be blown out the water, with TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that both clubs are ‘miffed’ about Khusanov’s asking price increasing.

“Spurs and Newcastle are both a bit miffed,” he said.

“Lens have been pushing his availability. It’s what happens in football. I think Newcastle and Tottenham were both aware that they had to get a deal done early if they were to do a deal, and that has proven to be the case.

“We’ve seen Real Madrid linked and now Manchester City have come in. We’re talking almost double the amount of money that was initially reported, with Lens now wanting €40million. It’s still a good deal in many ways, but not quite as good as it was.

“It would be a sizeable outlay for Newcastle United.”

Newcastle United can cope without Khusanov transfer

With Khusanov now set to cost more than £30million, Newcastle United have been blown out of the water.

In truth, this was always the fear once Jorge Mendes got involved in sorting out the defender’s future.

It now looks like he is on his way to Manchester City, while Newcastle United will need to look elsewhere for a centre-back.

Fortunately, the need for defensive reinforcements on Tyneside has decreased. Sven Botman has returned, and the Dutchman has proven that he can play as a right-sided centre-back – despite being left-footed.

Elsewhere, Emil Krafth is back after his collarbone injury.

While Khusanov would have been an excellent signing, Newcastle United can cope without him. Instead, they should commit whatever money they can spend towards an attacker.