Newcastle United in talks to sign ‘beast of a player’ for ‘very little’ as Paul Mitchell steps up interest

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Newcastle United are stepping up their interest in signing Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.

The Magpies have been linked with the 20-year-old for a few months now, with Geordie Boot Boys told in October that Newcastle had scouted Khusanov.

Now that interest has intensified, with claims that Khusanov is open to joining Newcastle during the January transfer window.

The Lens defender is a man in demand, with Manchester City linked with Khusanov too.

Newcastle United make move to sign Abdukodir Khusanov

But it is Newcastle United who are making their move, with TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that the Magpies are one of the clubs in talks to strike a deal for the Uzbekistan international.

“Lens are talking to a lot of clubs about a lot of players, notably Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin Danso,” he said.

“Lens’ idea was not to let both go, but having spoken to a few people in and around the deals, it sounds like £50million for both would be an awful lot for them to turn down. So there is now a prevailing belief that they may let both go.

“Newcastle are one of the clubs in talks, as are Tottenham.”

‘Beast’ Khusanov ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle United

Newcastle face competition from the likes of Tottenham to sign Khusanov, but he certainly ticks a lot of boxes for Paul Mitchell.

That is the view of Bailey, who has been told that Khusanov is a ‘beast’ who ‘likes a tackle’.

“A beast of a player, I’m told,” he said.

“He fits exactly what Newcastle need. An up and coming player for not a huge amount of money. Newcastle will need to find some money to do a deal, but it will not be an earth-shattering amount. We’re talking around £25million. In terms of Premier League money, it is very little.

“Talks are ongoing with his people. It will depend on who persuades the player.

“He really does have everything. He’s quick and likes a tackle. He’s the real deal, and Newcastle think he is suited to Premier League football.”

Newcastle must sell first before striking Khusanov deal

While Toon fans would love reinforcements to arrive in January, Newcastle must sell before they buy due to PSR.

The Premier League’s financial rules are scuppering the Magpies’ January plans, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Martin Dubravka and Kieran Trippier linked with moves away this month.

It feels like at least one of those players will need to depart for Khusanov to arrive, even if he is relatively cheap in comparison to what Newcastle nearly paid for Marc Guehi in the summer.