Bayer Leverkusen were in advanced negotiations for now Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov | OneFootball

kicker reports that Bayer Leverkusen had a deal agreed for now Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as they look to boost their squad options this winter.

Leverkusen have been interested in boosting their options in defence and attack this month, especially after the injuries to Jeanuël Belocian and Martin Terrier. With defence the immediate area to be fixed as they only have four defenders for three positions.

Die Werkself were interested in Khusanov and was in advanced negotiations over a fee of €20m for the Uzbekistan international with his previous club RC Lens, before City came in and doubled the transfer fee. Khusanov would ultimately join City for €40m as Leverkusen were powerless to match the offer.

Khusanov would have helped Leverkusen with future planning with Jonathan Tah leaving Leverkusen in the summer and Nordi Mukiele’s loan expiring. Whether Odilon Kossounou has a future at Leverkusen upon the expiry of his loan at Atalanta is yet to be seen, but the Ivorian would greatly help the side.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes did not travel with Leverkusen to Madrid for their 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, as it is assumed that he was working on bringing in newcomers to the club.

GGFN | Jack Meenan