Premier League club make official bid for Newcastle United target as Paul Mitchell watches on

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Newcastle United are losing the race to sign Abdukodir Khusanov.

RC Lens’ defender Abdukodir Khusanov is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising prospects right now. There’s been no shortage of interest in the January transfer window, he’s had links to clubs across Europe, including Newcastle United and Real Madrid.

Khusanov has impressed in his appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season – at 20, his raw talent has led many to believe he can go on and achieve great things in the future, he’s liked by Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Newcastle want Khusanov but interest all across Europe makes it a tough task for Mitchell to land the Uzbek. Khusanov would be used as a long-term defensive partner to Sven Botman who made his return in Newcastle’s win against Tottenham on Saturday.

The Magpies aren’t prioritising a defender in the January transfer window, but options are being considered with contracts winding down and players entering the latter stages of their careers. Newcastle have offered Fabian Schar a new deal, but at 33 it isn’t expected to be a long one.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Khusanov has just taken another blow, but they now know how much they must pay to sign him.

Manchester City set to sign Khusanov amid Newcastle links

It was always going to be difficult when a club like Man City comes in and flexes its financial muscle. In a PSR-driven world, Newcastle aren’t in a position where they can spend as freely as they would like to.

Earlier in the week it was confirmed that Newcastle are unlikely to sign Khusanov given those who are linked with him. Now, Patrick Berger has confirmed that Man City are closing in on a deal for the 20-year-old.

The defending Premier League champions submitted a bid for him on Thursday with the package reportedly worth €50million (£41.9m) plus bonuses.

Berger states that Khusanov is keen on a move to England and City have offered him a long-term contract.

The fee is much bigger than the £20m that was originally reported before the transfer window, his value looks to have heightened due to the amount of interest he’s got.

Newcastle’s options away from Khusanov

While Khusanov now looks to be bound for Man City, there are several defenders linked with a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle have kept tabs on Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta in recent weeks – like Khusanov, he’s only 20 but has eyes from Tottenham and Manchester United on him.

Elsewhere, Newcastle are linked with Antonio Silva who is unhappy with his game time at Benfica this season. The Magpies made a move for the 21-year-old in the summer but failed to land him.

In a surprising report, Newcastle are also interested in Milan Skriniar who plays for PSG, the 29-year-old is available in January but his age could put Mitchell off.

The Magpies have other priorities in January, but the club must think about the future in the coming months if they don’t sign a centre-back in this window.