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Transfer negotiations are under way between Manchester City and Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, the French club have confirmed.
City’s search for a central defender has landed them at Khusanov, 20, who could be available for £20-30m. Lens are willing to sell, and their manager Will Still has now confirmed there are negotiations over his transfer.
To complicate matters, Khusanov missed training this week which added to speculation over his future. But Still said that absence is down to illness, and confirmed he will be available to face Le Havre this weekend if he has recovered. However, Still also frankly said that ‘things are moving’ in terms of negotiations.
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“He’s sick. He was in the gym today with the others,” Still offered. “[But] after that, we’re not going to lie to each other. We know that there are negotiations in progress, things are moving. We’re not fooled.
“For the moment, he’s still here and if things were to move, you’ll probably know before me. He went home because he’s really sick. If he’s still available, he’ll be in the squad.”
City are hoping to sign Khusanov having identified him as a longer-term prospect, but have brought that plan forward to January given their struggles this season and injury problems in defence.