An aerial view of St. James Park before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United on April 2, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov is reportedly open to joining Newcastle United in January.
Despite their strong recent form, the Magpies have looked vulnerable at the back this season, conceding 21 goals in 18 Premier League games so far.
Eddie Howe would certainly welcome defensive reinforcements and Newcastle, along with Tottenham and Leeds United, have been heavily linked with Khusanov.
Still only 20, Khusanov has made 31 senior appearances for Lens in all competitions since joining the club in 2023.
The centre-back has been capped 18 times for Uzbekistan and is already regarded as one of the best players his nation has produced.
According to recent reports (via Newcastle World), Khusanov is open to a move in January and has instructed agent Jorge Mendes to start attracting interest, with Newcastle one of his preferred destinations.
Newcastle urged to keep hold of Bruno Guimaraes
While Khusanov could be a new face arriving at St. James’ Park, there are a number of Newcastle stars whose future is up in the air.
Bruno Guimaraes is one of those who have been frequently linked with a move in the past 12 months, with Manchester City thought to be serious admirers.
But former Premier League striker Stan Collymore has urged the club to keep hold of the Brazilian for now, even if there is a “sensible time” to accept an offer.
“I think Newcastle would be crazy to sell Bruno Guimaraes in January,” he told CaughtOffside of his exclusive column.
“If the rumors of Man City’s interest are correct, then at the end of the season, when City have a technical and tactical review and look at where they are, it might be a more sensible time for the Magpies to consider cashing them in .
“He may be a player that City believe can freshen things up, but certainly not in January.”
