Tottenham have suffered a blow in their pursuit of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov
It is a busy month for Tottenham Hotspur, with the chiefs at the Hotspur Way recognizing the need to strengthen the squad available to Ange Postecoglou.
An area of the North Londoners’ squad where they are quite lightweight is at the heart of their defence. Their injured players included Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies, who have spent months on the sidelines and missed several games as a result.
Ange Postecoglou has serious issues in his Tottenham backline right now, underlined by the fact that Archie Gray has been playing as a central defender alongside Radu Dragusin for weeks. This season, the Lilywhites have shipped 30 goals in 20 Premier League games, which highlights the need for defensive reinforcements.
-> Tottenham and Newcastle battle it out for Uzbek star making a name for himself in Ligue 1
This has led to Tottenham eyeing a move for RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbekistan international has established himself as one of the most promising defensive prospects in Ligue 1 over the last 12-15 months, becoming a mainstay at the back for RC Lens in the process.
Spurs have extensively scouted the 20-year-old this season; however, they are not the only club interested in his signatures. Manchester City and Newcastle United from the Premier League have also started keeping tabs on Abdukodir Khusanov, who continues to grow in stature.
Khusanov is a highly rated defensive talent, but reputed journalist David Ornstein claims Tottenham aren’t likely to look at the RC Lens starlet due to his valuation. He shares that the growing sense is that the Uzbek will end up at Man City this month, claiming that the £35m+ price-tag will put Spurs off.
“And that’s why you see them [Man City] showing an interest in the Lens central defender, Khusanov, who is catching the eye of many. Newcastle have liked him for quite some time. Tottenham are aware of him too, but the level I think it’s going to go to financially, I don’t see Tottenham pursuing it right now,” David Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast.
-> Tottenham keen to sign Ligue 1 defensive prospect; €15m-20m transfer fee touted
Spurs missing out on Khusanov will be a big blow for Big Ange and his plans to rebuild the squad with young, hungry and dynamic talents with huge potential. The Lens defender has given a glimpse of his potential in Ligue 1 and certainly has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
As Ornstein says, Spurs will not have the funds to spend on Khusanov. Keeping that in mind, it would make sense for Daniel Levy and Johan Lange to consider cheaper and more realistic alternatives to the emerging Uzbekistan star.
