Sources: Manchester City have lodged bid for 'fast' and 'powerful' centre-back wanted by Tottenham

Yesterday at 05:15 PM

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Manchester City have lodged a bid for Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who in turn wants to move to the Etihad Stadium.

TBR Football previously confirmed that Khusanov is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and a host of other Premier League clubs including Chelsea.

However, Spurs and Newcastle were left concerned as Man City joined the race for Khusanov, and it looks as though the Citizens are now looking to get a deal over the line.

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Manchester City submit bid for £33.5m-rated Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City sources have confirmed to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that they have lodged a bid for Khusanov.

City have emerged as front-runners for the Uzbek starlet in the last week, with rivals Newcastle and Tottenham baulking at the French club’s asking price – which has risen to €40million (£33.5million).

City have now made their move and it is understood Khusanov has made it clear to Lens that he wants to move to the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League champions want to bring in at least one new defender this month and Khusanov has emerged as their number one target.

They have also opened talks with Palmeiras over Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis – but they are still discussing whether he would come this month or after the Club World Cup this summer.

The praise Khusanov has received in recent months

Man City are making progress towards the signing of a superb young defender who has taken the French top flight by storm since his move from Energetik-BCU in 2023.

The Ligue 1 website wrote in January: 'Almost never caught out by opposing attackers, the calm defender very often dominates his opponent physically, and has added another asset to his game: anticipation.

'Often well placed, he is the player who has made the most interceptions since the start of the season in the championship (17), tied with the Parisian Willian Pacho and Marseille's Pierre-Emile Hojberg.'

Meanwhile, Lens head coach Will Still is quoted as saying: "He's calm, powerful, he's fast… He doesn't talk but he's good.

"When I arrived, with the departure of "Kev'" in sight, Jean-Louis Leca told me 'don't worry, there's "Kodir" who is here, and he's ready.' He wasn't wrong. He has very, very impressive potential."

And finally Bryce Samba is quoted as saying about his teammate after a 0-0 draw with Nice in September: "He's a monster, what he did again tonight… He scares me. No, really! For his age, what he does…"