- Abdukodir Khusanov is already admired by both Newcastle and Tottenham
- The 20-year-old defender has already been capped 18 times for Uzbekistan
- LISTEN NOW: It's all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Manchester City are considering the possibility of signing Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
The 20-year-old Uzbek international is also admired by Tottenham and Newcastle.
The 2004-born star has already won 18 caps for his country and emerges as another bright central defensive prospect set to flourish in the French top flight.
Any Premier League pursuit could see Lens make a tidy profit on the player they originally signed for a fee of £100,000 in 2023.
Khusanov joined the Ligue 1 team from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, who had not brought the defender to Europe until 2022.
In 13 league games this season, the Uzbekistan international has kept seven clean sheets, although he also received a straight red card which ruled him out of the game in the 3-1 defeat to Marseille.
Manchester City considering signing Lens central defender Abdukodir Khusanov,20
Pep Guardiola has already hinted that his team could seek to strengthen in the January window
City could face competition from both Tottenham and Newcastle (pictured: Magpies boss Eddie Howe)
After just 16 minutes in the first two games of the campaign, Khusanov has become one of Lens' most regular features.
Except for the 59th-minute red card (and subsequent suspension) he received against PSG in the 1-0 loss in November, he has played every minute of the league since matchday three.
Pep Guardiola's team currently features Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and John Stones, although injuries have meant the champions struggle to name their ideal starting pairing on a regular basis.
With City on a desperate run that has seen them drop out of the title race and even finish in the top four, Guardiola has previously hinted his side could look to strengthen in the January window.
“In some positions we need help,” the Spanish coach told Match of the Day before the market opened.
“When we are all together we are the team we were, but with important players out for weeks and months it is very difficult.
“I thought the central defenders would be fit all season, but we have had problems, we need help in the midfield and central defenders.
“The market is the market, it is not easy and it is expensive, so we will see what the club can do.”