“We are in no hurry” – Entourage of Manchester City transfer target comment on growing speculation on future | OneFootball

The entourage of one of Manchester City’s primary transfer targets for the ongoing January window have commented on speculation surrounding the player’s future.

The Premier League champions identified Abdukodir Khusanov as their primary central defensive target for the ongoing market, in what could be one of three signings made to strengthen the club’s rearguard through long-term talents.

In addition to the Uzbek star, there is also a keen interest to bring Palmeiras’ 18-year-old centre-back star Vitor Reis to the Etihad Stadium this month, with a clear intention to make the Brazilian part of their immediate first-team squad.

Christian McFarlane is also expected to join Manchester City from City Group sister club New York City, but it is unlikely that the 17-year-old would be made a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad right away.

For now, conversations involving Khusanov are believed to be centred around the price tag involved in a potential deal, with Lens eyeing a fee in the region of £35 million as they look to raise much-needed funds this month.

Now, as provided by Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, the entourage around Lens and Uzbekistan’s Khusanov have insisted that a final decision on the 20-year-old’s future will only be made by the player himself after all offers have been received.

Speaking this week, they said, “The final decision will be made by the player and we must all understand that he is the main actor in the case.

“We are in no hurry and once we have received all the offers, the player and his family will make the best decision.”

Unsurprisingly given the player’s talents, Manchester City are unlikely to be alone in their interest in the player, and several reports have already named Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as possible rivals in the chase for the defender.

La Liga giants Real Madrid were also named as being in the race for the youngster earlier this month, although it remains to be seen just how serious Los Blancos officials are, or whether the talk will not extend any further than admiration.

Manchester City have endured a slight up-turn in their form in the last two matches having defeated Leicester City and West Ham in the Premier League, although concerns over their defensive strengths remain, hence the intention to bolster their options.