Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of signing Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Citizens are desperate to strengthen Pep Guardiola's squad as they look to enjoy better fortunes in what has proven to be a difficult campaign.
Man City have a real fight on their hands to qualify for the Champions League, with the Citizens sitting in sixth place and two points adrift of the top four.
The reigning Premier League champions appear keen to bolster their central defensive options for their top-four bid, having seen the likes of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias all struggle with injury at various points of the season.
Man City are said to be in talks over a potential move to recruit 18-year-old defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Man City on brink of Khusanov deal
However, Reis is not Man City's only centre-back target, with the Citizens pushing to prise Khusanov away from the French top flight.
The player's agent recently opened the door to a January move, admitting that his client is ready to "play in the best clubs in Europe".
According to journalist Patrick Berger, Man City are now on the 'verge of signing' the Uzbekistan international.
The update claims that Man City tabled an official transfer offer on Thursday, worth up to €50m (£42m) including bonuses.
Khusanov is keen to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium, leaving it up to the two clubs to reach a final agreement over a potential transfer.
There is a possibility that Khusanov could be Man City's first addition of the winter transfer window, although they are also working on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.
Man City have already agreed personal terms with the Egypt international and are expected to make an official offer by the weekend.
Who is Lens' highly-rated centre-back?
Khusanov, who joined Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU in July 2023, struggled to gain regular game time in his first season with Lens, making just 11 appearances in the French top flight.
However, the 20-year-old has already surpassed that figure in the current campaign, having established himself as a prominent figure in Will Still's side.
Khusanov has featured in all 13 league games that he has been available, helping his side boast the second-best defensive record in Ligue 1 with 15 goals conceded in 16 matches. body check tags ::
