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Newcastle and Tottenham worried as Man City step up interest in signing £25m defender

Jamie Brown

Sun 5 January 2025 11:15, UK

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Tottenham and Newcastle are now concerned about missing out on Abdukodir Khusanov after Manchester City and Chelsea joined the race.

Khusanov’s displays foꦆr Lens♍ since joining them in the summer of 2023 for just £100k have caught the attention of many top clubs.

Back in October, TBR Football first reported that Toꦍttenham and Newcastle were both keen on Khusanov and they have now been j🐟oined by the two Premier League g🔯iants.

Man City and Chelsea join the race for Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City and Chelsea have entered the race to sign Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Lens are ♏open to selling the 20-year-old this month and it’s the same case for fellow central defender Kevin Danso, however, they are unsure whether they would sanction the sale of both players.

Danso is wanted by Wolves but they have since completed a deal with Reims for Emmanuel Agbadou meaning they may not return for him, so a sale of Khusanov may now be the most likely option for Lens. Khusanov is said to be valued at £25 million which would include bonuses and add-ons.

TBR Football reported last month that Spur꧋s and Newcastle held talks with Lens for Khusanov, but they were not keen on agreeing te🗹rms as they weighed up the💛ir options, which has opened the door for other clubs to join the race.

That has now happened with Man City and Chelsea having stepped up their interest in the last week as they consider a move this month. TBR Football also understands that Arsenal and Brighton are keep🧸ing tabs on the situation.

Why Abdukodir Khusanov would be perfect for Ange Postecoglou

The Uzbekistan international has become the fastest defender in Ligue 1 this season after recording a top speed of 36.48km/h. His speed could make him the perfect signing for Ange Postecoglou’s high line.

His top speed is not far off Micky van de Ven’s from this season with the Dutch defender having clocked a speed of 37.12km/h against Manchest🌸er United.

Tottenham could do with another central defender in Januarღy and someone who can cover Van de Ven given h🔯is hamstring injuries. Adding someone with similar pace, like Khusanov, would be very ideal.