Sport nationLeeds United have made a €20m offer for Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who has also been targeted by Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to French outlet Top Mercato, Leeds’ opening bid is expected to create a base for further discussions, despite Lens’ asking price of €25m to €30m.
Khusanov’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has an “exclusive mandate” to negotiate the player’s transfer and is pushing for a move to the Premier League, where he can command a higher fee.
Lens are reportedly willing to sell Khusanov if their price is met, as they look to generate cash from the transfer.
Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table and are favorites to gain promotion back to the Premier League. They are expected to strengthen their squad in January, and Khusanov is seen as a key target.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing Khusanov, but Leeds’ opening offer has put them in the driving seat.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds can agree a deal with Lens and Khusanov’s representatives, but their opening offer has certainly made a statement of intent.
Khusanov has been impressive for Lens in Ligue 1, and his performances have caught the attention of several top-flight clubs. He is seen as a talented young defender with a lot of potential, and Leeds are keen to bring him to Elland Road.
The transfer saga is likely to continue in the coming days, with Leeds, Newcastle, and Tottenham all vying for Khusanov’s signature.
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