Agent reveals Newcastle were ‘very close’ to beating Manchester City to January transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City were almost beaten to one of their January recruits by Premier League rivals Newcastle United, according to the player’s agent.

The Premier League champions have remained very active in the January transfer window, and there is a belief in some quarters that deals are still being worked upon by the likes of Txiki Begiristain in the days that remain.

So far, Manchester City have spent upwards of £130 million on three new arrivals into Pep Guardiola’s playing squad, in what has been a drastic change of direction from the club in a market they notoriously avoid to do business in.

Abdukodir Khusanov joined the Etihad side in a reported €40 million switch from RC Lens, followed by Vitor Reis and his €35 million move from Palmeiras, and rounded off this week with the arrival of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75 million.

But Etihad Stadium bosses had their work cut out in the case of the Uzbekistan international defender, who was at the centre of transfer interest from a number of clubs from across Europe, with one particular name confirmed by his agent.

Speaking during a new interview with Championat, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, the agent of Abdukodir Khusanov, Gairat Khasbiullin has revealed just how close City came to missing out on the 20-year-old Uzbek defender.

“Newcastle (United) was very close to the deal. They even remained one of the favourites, and then was the last to leave the race with (Manchester) City,” Khasbiullin revealed this week.

He continued, “As far as I understand, financial fair play also had an impact. Well, they didn’t have enough time. Perhaps if they had made an offer earlier, they would have had time to come to an agreement.

“Then City put so much pressure on Lens that it was difficult to make a comparable offer. It was also influenced by the fact that the French needed this money.”

Reports throughout Manchester City’s chase of Abdukodir Khusanov brought a number of other clubs to the attention of readers, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur tipped as a potentially interested party.

La Liga giants Real Madrid were put forward by French media as holding an interest in Khusanov at one stage of talks with Manchester City, although it was never revealed just how keen the Spanish club were for the Uzbek star.

Manchester United have also been revealed to be an interested club in the player, only to have seen the recommendation of a club scout pushed back by former Old Trafford manager, Erik ten Hag according to the 20-year-old’s agent this week.