Manchester City are reportedly in the competitive race to snap up Lens defender Abdulkader Khosanov, competing with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Khosanov is only 20 years old, but he has already won 18 caps for Uzbekistan. The latest mystery talent to be snapped up by Lens' extensive scouting system, the right-footed defender moves to the French side in the summer of 2023.
After being eased into the setup under Frank Hayes last season, Khosanov has become a regular in Lens' backline since Highly rated English coach Will Steele He took over in the summer.
Comfortable in a back three or four, the Uzbek prodigy has attracted interest from three Premier League clubs. Judgment Premier League Defending champions Manchester City have added Khosanov to their January wish list Fabrizio Romano.
The city will have to compete with it Newcastle and Tottenham To secure the 20-year-old's signature, both Premier League clubs are believed to have begun discussions with Khosanov. Romano also signed off on his report: “The race is open.”
While Newcastle have a stable partnership at centre-back that has aged, the defensive bodies at Tottenham and City have been plagued by injuries this season. Ange Postecoglou was forced to bring on half-fit Radu Dragosin after a A wave of absences He was left without a senior centre-back last month.
Pep Guardiola's champions have been mired in several fitness issues, prompting the Catalan coach to make a decision… General call for reinforcements In January. “I thought the centre-backs would be fit all season but we struggled – with the midfield and centre-backs we need help,” the City boss bemoaned at the end of the year.
“The market is the market, it's not easy, and it's expensive, so we'll see what the club can do.”