Pep Guardiola confirms Man City are not in a hurry to sign players this January 

Pep Guardiola confirms Man City are not in a hurry to sign players this January

Manchester City are advancing in talks to sign a defender Tottenham have targeted and Pep Guardiola’s side have made it clear they’ll pay the full asking price, TEAMtalk can confirm.

 

Man City are pushing forward to try and land their first signing of the January transfer window and are now advancing talks with Lens over central defender, Abdukodir Khusanov. The club have informed Lens they are willing to match their asking price of over £30m.

 

The Citizens are well aware that they are not alone in their interest for the 20-year-old and as TEAMtalk reported last week, Tottenham are also extremely keen on the talent.

 

As of now, however, the Premier League champions lead the race and hope to get the deal over the line and beat their domestic rivals to his signature.

 

Sources stated that as of Tuesday night, the centre-back had not made any decisions over his future and wanted to give every club the opportunity to make him an offer.

 

But City now clearly feel they have a yes from the Uzbekistan international and are pushing on to wrap up a deal with all haste.

 

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is a huge fan of the player and had greenlit his signing to the club’s recruiters.

 

However, they are now at risk of losing out to City and will have to make a a quick and major move to avoid being beaten.

 

Sources stated that there were positive conversations with multiple clubs via the player’s camp, including Tottenham.

 

Newcastle are also keen but look less likely to move as it stands. Eddie Howe’s side would prefer to do a deal in summer, with their focus centred on other positions this month. But given Khusanov looks to be heading to the Etihad, the player would no longer be available at season’s end.

 

Sources refuse to rule out the possibility of Spurs coming in and matching the bid from Man City, but do admit that Guardiola’s side have moved into a very strong position at the negotiating table.

 

The deal could be secured over the weekend should there be no challenge to Man City and it would be the start of what’s shaping up to be a blockbuster window for Guardiola’s side.

 

Man City are very keen to add fresh legs and minds to their side as they embark on the first phase of a multi-window rebuild.

 

Another player in Man City’s sights is Eintracht Frankfurt striker, Omar Marmoush.

 

Per The Daily Mail, talks to sign the £50m-rated striker are advancing, though The Guardian state Marmoush’s arrival could result in a current attacker being pushed out.

 

Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, have set their sights on Abdukodir Khusanov as a primary target in the ongoing January transfer window. The 20-year-old central defender currently plays for Lens and represents Uzbekistan internationally. City are keen on bolstering their defensive options, with Khusanov emerging as a key target alongside other talented prospects.

 

 

 

In addition to Khusanov, Manchester City are also eyeing Palmeiras’ highly-rated 18-year-old centre-back, Vitor Reis, for a potential move to the Etihad Stadium. The club’s intention is to integrate Reis into the first-team squad immediately, showcasing their commitment to nurturing young talent for the future.

 

Another prospect on City’s radar is Christian McFarlane from sister club New York City. The 17-year-old is expected to join Manchester City, although he may not be part of Pep Guardiola’s immediate squad plans. City’s focus on recruiting young talents with long-term potential underscores their commitment to building a strong foundation for sustained success.

 

Negotiations surrounding a potential move for Khusanov have centered around the transfer fee, with Lens reportedly seeking around £35 million to facilitate the transfer. City are navigating discussions carefully, as they aim to secure the services of the talented defender while adhering to their financial considerations.

 

The entourage of Abdukodir Khusanov has emphasized that the final decision on the player’s future will rest with him, highlighting the player’s autonomy in determining his next career move. They have stated that all offers will be considered before a decision is made, with the player and his family playing a pivotal role in the process.

 

Despite Manchester City’s interest in Khusanov, they are not the only club vying for the defender’s signature. Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation, indicating a competitive market for the talented young player’s services. Additionally, Real Madrid’s interest in Khusanov adds another dimension to the transfer saga, although the extent of their pursuit remains uncertain.

 

Manchester City’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements comes in the wake of concerns over their backline’s consistency. While the team has shown improvements in recent performances, addressing defensive vulnerabilities is a priority for Guardiola’s side as they aim for success in multiple competitions.

 

The potential acquisition of Abdukodir Khusanov would not only enhance Manchester City’s defensive options but also signal their ambition to secure top talent for the future. As negotiations progress and rival clubs show interest, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Khusanov’s next destination and City’s defensive strategy for the remainder of the season.