Agent of Abdukodir Khusanov publicly opens door to Manchester City transfer in new interview | OneFootball

Manchester City have seemingly been handed a huge boost by a representative of Abdukodir Khusanov in their hopes of recruiting the 20-year-old this month.

The reigning Premier League champions were first linked with interest in the stand-out Ligue 1 defender by transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano at the start of the month, with it claimed that the Uzbek centre-back was on their list of possible targets this month.

While it was further suggested at the time that several top clubs from throughout the European game were also interested in the player and the race for his signature is open, City’s officials are being kept well informed on matters.

Centre-back is one of the roles that his been most heavily affected by injuries and fitness problems throughout the season, and Pep Guardiola has at one stage had to battle with none of his central defensive options.

Those circumstances, some of which remain ongoing through the absence of Ruben Dias and John Stones, have forced Manchester City to rethink their approach to the market, thus sparking interest in Lens’ bright spark.

Now, in an exclusive interview with The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor, Gairat Khasbiullin – the owner of Football Group LLC, who represent of City target, Abdukodir Khusanov – explained there is a common belief among all involved that the centre-back is deserving of a big move.

“He’s one of the best in his position in Europe, young and every day becomes even stronger. He deserves to play in the best clubs in Europe,” Khasbiullin explained.

He continued, “We have a very good relationship with Lens and we are on the same side – we want the best for the player together. If the transfer is successful, the club will receive a well-deserved reward for trusting the young player.”

Offering further insight into the situation involving Manchester City this January, Ryan Taylor reports that the Premier League champions are well-informed on Khusanov’s asking price and numbers involved in a potential deal.

It is further explained that the 20-year-old is of real popularity at the Etihad Stadium due to his speed, versatility and potential, while his current club RC Lens have actively been looking to raise cash this winter.

The belief in some quarters is that Manchester City may have to sanction a transfer fee in the region of £20 million to sign the young defender, and the club may not have to think twice given the player’s qualities.

While the transfer fee would not cause complications for the Premier League champions, and may seem excellent value for a player of the potential of Khusanov, it would represent enormous profit for Lens, who bought the player for around £83,000 from Energetik-BGU.