· December 2 2024, 15:00
**Newcastle United are eyeing a move for a young defender but face competition from Tottenham Hotspur**
The Magpies have been on a youth recruitment drive since the takeover in 2021 and they don't look like slowing down yet.
Newcastle have raided a number of Premier League and Football League clubs for their young talent with players like Alfie Harrison, Travis Hernes, Trevan Sanusi and Cathal Heffernan all making good impressions for the youth teams.
These players are all bright prospects and have the potential to make first team appearances in the near future. Toon fans saw players like Ben Parkinson feature for the first team last season due to injuries after making a positive impact for the under-21's.
Now, Newcastle are keen to sign a new young player who would immediately be in first team contention.
Newcastle United chasing Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens
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The Magpies are looking to do a deal with Ligue 1 side Lens for the Uzbekistan International Khusanov according to [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/12/02/tottenham-newcastle-battling-abdukodir-khusanov-transfer/).
The 20-year-old forced his way into the Lens squad after signing from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk in summer 2023 where he signed for just €100,000.
The report suggests that seven Premier League clubs are interested in the young defender including Tottenham who are currently experiencing injury woes with Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven both out of action.
Lens are set to make a large profit on Khusanov who could leave for around £25million.
Paris St-Germain are interested in Newcastle United target Abdukodir Khusanov
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Ligue 1 giants PSG have been linked with Khusanov who has started nine out of 13 games this season.
Managed by Will Still, Khusanov has impressed the young English head coach who sit just outside European football spots.
Khusanov can also play as a defensive midfielder, a boost for Newcastle who are keen to find more versatile players for their squad.
The Magpies consider the 20-year-old a promising young talent who could make the step up to the Premier League from France.