According to [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/12/02/tottenham-newcastle-battling-abdukodir-khusanov-transfer/), Newcastle United are showing interest in Lens star Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old centre-back has been one of the ‘breakout stars’ in Ligue 1 this season and is considered a hugely promising talent who would be a real hit in English football.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reports that Newcastle an Spurs are both tracking the Uzbekistan international, revealing that a fee in the region of £25m could be enough to tempt Lens to sell given he signed for less than £100,000 just 18 months ago.
It’s believed Newcastle scouts have made trips to France to watch the young defender, who is also attracting interest from several top European clubs. PSG have been linked and the report states that seven Premier League sides have been keeping a close eye on Khusanov.
The Lens talent stands 6ft 1′ tall and is a right-sided centre-back who can operate down either side and even as a defensive midfielder, suggesting he could offer the sort of versatility Eddie Howe often appreciates in signings.
Given Paul Mitchell’s experience and contacts in Ligue 1 from his time at Monaco, combined with his recent comments about widening the net when it comes to overseas recruitment, it would be no surprise if this is a recommendation from our sporting director and cheaper alternative to Marc Guehi?