Real Madrid join race for Abdukodir Khusanov as Manchester City meet player’s entourage | OneFootball

The race to sign RC Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov (20) is hotting up. The Uzbekistan international is garnering interest from Europe’s elite with Lens giving the green light for a transfer this January.

On Sunday, in an interview with DAZN, Lens CEO Pierre Dréossi said the Khusanov “will leave” this month, however, he added that there had not yet been any good bids for the highly-rated centre-back. It comes amid a period of austerity at Les Sang et Or with many of the Ligue 1 club’s brightest prospects and most bankable assets available.

Whilst Dréoiss says that there are not yet any good bids, that could soon change. According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid have joined the race with the publication previously revealing an interest from 15 clubs across Europe. There has already been contact established by the La Liga giants.

Khusanov open to staying at Lens

Meanwhile, there is also concrete interest from Newcastle United and Manchester City. A meeting between the latter, Khusanov’s father, Khikmatzhon Khoshimov, and his agent, Khasbiullin Gairat, has already taken place. Speaking to Foot Mercato, his entourage said the following: “We are very grateful for everything that Lens have done for us… but it is up to the player to decide the next step to take. He is ready to stay at Lens for a few more months, if he must.”

However, amid interest from other clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund, Lens believe now is the right time to cash in, as evidenced by their decision to give Jorge Mendes a mandate to find a new destination for the Uzbekistan international. Lens want over €40m for Khusanov and see this as an attainable fee, given the widespread interest.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle