Manchester City have finalised a deal for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov that could be worth £33.5m plus add-ons.
Khusanov has agreed a four and a half year contract, with the option of an extra year.
Lens boss Will Still said: ‘We know that there are negotiations in progress, things are moving.
‘He’s sick. He was in the gym today, but he went home. [But] after that, we’re not going to lie to each other.’
Khusanov will become the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the top flight when he completes his move.
City are expected to make further proposals for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, 18, and Eintracht Frankurt striker Omar Marmoush this weekend.
Man City have finalised a deal for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov worth around £35m
Man City are keen to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad amid a disappointing season to date
The reigning Premier League champions are seeking to complete a deal for Omar Marmoush
Mail Sport previously reported City are looking to add two or three signings this window to breathe fresh life into Pep Guardiola’s squad and increase competition after a difficult first half of the season.
Khusanov started his career with Energetik-BGU in Belarus but has become an important player for Lens since joining in 2023.
That year he made the rankings for the top 200 most promising youngsters in football, being rated the 15th-most exciting centre-back.
Lens have the second-best defensive record in Ligue 1 this season, having conceded 15 goals in 16 games – only one more than Paris Saint-Germain. Khusanov has helped keep seven clean sheets.
The 20-year-old, who has Champions League experience and 18 caps for Uzbekistan, had also caught the eyes of Tottenham and Newcastle.
Mail Sport reported on Thursday that Man City were progressing discussions to sign forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £50million.
Frankfurt are reluctant sellers, particularly in the winter window, and had hoped to keep hold of the 25-year old who has scored 18 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been following Marmoush but have not followed up their interest and City are willing to pay around £50m for a player who can play across the frontline or behind the striker.
