Manchester City opens talks to sign Khusanov from RC Lens

Manchester City has made contact with Lens over a move for defender Abdukodir Khusanov, AfojSPORTS  understands.

The 20-year-old centre back has only one full season of experience in Europe’s major leagues, having moved to Ligue 1 in 2023 from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU.

Lens are currently sixth in the French top flight with the second-fewest goals conceded in the league.

City are in need of reinforcements after an injury-hit and underwhelming start to the season.

Regular starters John Stones and Nathan Ake have started 12 games each in all competitions with the former one of Pep Guardiola’s key players during a period of dominance at the Etihad.

Their run of four-straight Premier League titles looks set to end this season with City a whole 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.

Things began to derail in September when Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sustained a season-ending knee injury.

During a dire pre-Christmas run, Guardiola insisted that things wouldn’t get better until he had his best players back.

However, AfojSPORT understands that a deal would cost £50m.