'A deal is pretty advanced' - Newcastle closing in on £20m-rated January signing?

The January transfer window opens tomorrow and the rumour mill is ramping up, with a number of names linked with a potential move to St James' Park.

Despite being told that a right-winger is the priority, a certain centre-back has been mentioned more and more in the final weeks of December as Paul Mitchell casts his eye over Ligue 1; a division he knows well from his time at Monaco.

Khusanov edging closer?

Last week, Mark Douglas released a piece for the i on our growing interest in £20m-rated Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who is thought to be keen on a move to St James' Park.

Today, his latest report on our January plans hints that a move for the 20-year-old may be edging closer. He wrote:  'Defender Abdukodir Khusanov, as reported last week, is on their radar and one source even believes a deal is pretty advanced.'

That was followed with a line of caution - 'agents are involved' and 'his name is being hawked around' - but it's an intriguing update on the highly-rated centre-back who may be a cut-price alternative to Marc Guehi and long-term replacement for Fabian Schar.

Douglas stated last week that Tottenham and Manchester City are also keen on the Uzbekistan international, so it seems the defender is not short on interest heading into January, which may explain why we're trying to move quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eMhfEXzgaE

Douglas hints at Newcastle strategy

In his latest piece for the i, an unnamed source told Douglas: “Think overseas and think younger players" when it comes to potential signings at Newcastle United in January.

Mitchell's blueprint clear; value for money overseas gems over Premier League proven stars who'll come at a premium.

This approach shows following news of our growing interest in PSV's 21-year-old winger Johan Bakayoko, who would be an exciting but cheaper alternative to Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo or Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.

We've had huge success going abroad in the past - Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman for a combined £75m looks like great business - and hopefully that continues heading into 2025 as Mitchell prepares for two vital transfer windows.