Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — English club Manchester City has entered the race for the talented defender of French club Lens and the Uzbekistan national team, Abdulkodir Khusanov. This was reported by renowned football insider Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, Manchester City has become the latest "top" European club to notice the rapid rise of the young Uzbek player.

He added that the English club has included Khusanov on their list of transfer targets for January. Clubs have already initiated contact regarding a possible transfer.

Romano further noted that, in addition to Manchester City, Khusanov has attracted interest from other top European clubs.

Khusanov moved to Lens from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk in the summer of 2023, signing a four-year contract. Although his transfer to Stade Bollaert-Delelis went largely unnoticed, the 20-year-old defender is now considered one of the most promising players in Europe in his position.

His impressive form in Ligue 1 this season has not gone unnoticed, with several top European clubs eager to sign him. Among them are English clubs like Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, who have already expressed interest in Khusanov.

While Newcastle is still contemplating the start of negotiations with Lens, Tottenham is reportedly ready to make an official offer. In addition to the English giants, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig are also in the running for the player.

Aware of Khusanov’s potential, super-agent Jorge Mendes has taken responsibility for organizing his first major transfer. Known for his influential position in world football and connections, Mendes could help Lens profitably sell their valuable star this winter.