An aerial view of St James' Park before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United on April 02, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
RC Lens defender Abdulkader Khosanov is reportedly open to joining Newcastle United in January.
Despite their strong recent form, Newcastle have looked poor in defense this season, conceding 21 goals in 18 Premier League matches so far.
Eddie Howe would certainly welcome the defensive reinforcements, and Newcastle, along with Tottenham and Leeds United, have been closely linked with Khosanov.
Still just 20 years old, Khosanov has made 31 appearances for Lens in all competitions since joining the club in 2023.
The centre-back has won 18 caps for Uzbekistan and is already regarded as one of the greatest players his country has ever produced.
According to recent reports (via Newcastle World), Khosanov is open to a move in January and has instructed agent Jorge Mendes to start amassing interest – with Newcastle one of his preferred destinations.
He urged Newcastle to keep Bruno Guimaraes
While Khosanov may be a new face arriving at St James' Park, there are a number of Newcastle stars whose futures are up in the air.
Bruno Guimarães is someone who has often been linked with a move away in the past 12 months, and Manchester City are thought to be huge fans of him.
But former Premier League striker Stan Collymore has urged the club to keep hold of the Brazilian for now, even if there is a “reasonable time” for the offer to be accepted.
“I think Newcastle would be crazy to sell Bruno Guimaraes in January,” he told CaughtOffside. Exclusive column.
“If the rumors about Manchester City's interest are accurate, then at the end of the season, when City will conduct a technical and tactical review and look at where they currently stand, this could be the most logical time for Newcastle to consider cashing in.
He added: “Maybe he is a player that City feels can revamp things, but certainly not in January.”
