Manchester City locked in talks with Ligue 1 club over valuation of defensive transfer target | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City continue to make ‘positive progress’ in their pursuit of Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, according to new reports.

The highly-rated centre-back excelling in French football is one of three defensive recruits that could come into Pep Guardiola’s Etihad Stadium squad this month, alongside other young names from South and North America.

Alongside the continuous reports centred around City’s pursuit of the Ligue 1 star, information emerging from Brazil on Wednesday night has since intensified and confirmed that the Premier League champions are wanting to finalise a deal for Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis.

The 18-year-old, despite his lack of European football experience, has since been confirmed to be a first-team target for Manchester City, who have no intention of loaning him out, should they manage to strike a deal with the Brazilian club for the teenager.

New York City FC’s Christian McFarlane, a 17-year-old left-back, is also expected to be formally announced as a Manchester City player at some stage this month, after the formalities of an agreement were completed over the last few months.

And now, according to the information of MailSport’s Sami Mokbel, the Premier League champions are continuing to make ‘positive progress’ in their move for Lens defender, Abdukodir Khusanov.

It is further confirmed that City have a ‘concrete interest’ in the 20-year-old and remain in discussions over a deal to sign the Uzbek star, with talks currently centred around Lens’ £35 million valuation of the 20-year-old.

The report reassures that despite discussions ongoing over the financials of a move, there is ‘growing optimism’ that a deal for the highly-rated defender is ‘realistic’ during the ongoing January transfer window.

Previous reports had indicated that a decision was yet to have been made over Manchester City’s intentions when it came to Khusanov, and whether there could be a chance of the player completing the ongoing season with Lens before joining in the summer.

However, given the financials at stake and the problems that have faced Pep Guardiola in the defensive ranks throughout the season so far, there is a much higher chance that Manchester City would want to integrate Khusanov immediately.

Manchester City return to action on Saturday evening after back-to-back wins across competitions for the first time since late October, when they welcome Salford City to the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup.