David Ornstein issues Newcastle update - €40m man identified but Toon risk missing out
David Ornstein has issued an update on a Newcastle United target set to be on the move this January - although it sounds like he's unlikely to arrive on Tyneside.
Newcastle have already been handed an early blow in their winter pursuit of PSV Winger Johan Bakayoko, with the Belgian’s agent saying he will not move this month.
A few days on, another possible setback has come the way of Eddie Howe’s side as they are set to battle off some strong Premier League competition for an overseas centre-back on Paul Mitchell's radar.
Ornstein issues update on Khusanov
The Athletic's chief reporter David Ornstein has revealed that Newcastle will have to battle off Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur for the €40million (£33million) signing of RC Lens Abdukodir Khusanov.
Ornstein reports that we have tracked Khusanov for 'some time' and identified him as a target. However, our ongoing battle with PSR could price us out of a move this month, despite him 'fitting the profile' of player Mitchell plans to recruit as a 20-year-old talent with huge potential. If true, it highlights the importance of sales this month if we are to spend.
In his latest transfer piece for The Athletic, Ornstein said: “Manchester City are exploring a deal for Abdukodir Khusanov. Other clubs hold an interest, too, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur aware of his talent and availability.
“Lens are looking to do a deal in excess of €40million, which means Tottenham are not expected to battle for the 20-year-old defender as things stand.
“Newcastle have tracked and identified Khusanov for some time but the current reality of their financial situation makes a move unlikely, despite the player being admired and fitting the profile they want to recruit. The agent Jorge Mendes has a mandate to deliver Khusanov’s sale in this window and will be working to secure Lens the best possible fee for a raw but promising talent.”
Frustratingly, it seems we are up against it with Man City to secure the service of the Uzbekistani centre-back, with Real Madrid heavily linked although not mentioned by Ornstein here. With the fee considered, I would imagine that prices both us and Spurs out of a deal.
PSR issues becoming a huge pain as Man City make their move
The ongoing PSR saga is becoming more and more strenuous and difficult to comprehend. We bid as high as £60m for Marc Guehi last August, but anything north of £30m now feels untenable and out of budget?
It may be that we could afford Khusanov, but only if outgoings are secured, upping the need to move on the likes of Martin Dubravka, Miguel Almiron and perhaps even Sean Longstaff this month.
That said, it sounds like Man City are already stepping up their interest in the Lens star, with transfer reporter Ben Jacobs revealing this on Wednesday afternoon:
'Manchester City are now advancing on a deal for Abdukodir Khusanov. 20-year-old centre-back is on the radar of several clubs, including Newcastle and Spurs. #MCFC currently ahead of their Premier League rivals and willing to meet Len's asking price, which is over £30m.'
PSR continues to baffle and frustrate, but hopefully Mitchell and Howe have plenty other exciting alternatives in mind should Khusavo end up elsewhere.
