Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with Lens to sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Citizens have identified the 20-year-old as a leading transfer target this month, with manager Pep Guardiola keen to strengthen his defensive options due to the club's injury issues in that department.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have all suffered with injuries this season, and Man City have been without at least one of their four centre-back options during their torrid run of just three victories in 15 matches across all tournaments.
Earlier this month, Khusanov's agent admitted that his client is 'ready to play for the best clubs in Europe' amid interest from the likes of Man City, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Lens CEO Pierre Dreossi then revealed that Khusanov is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club, but interested suitors must table "good bids" if they are to stand a chance of securing the defender's signature.
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Khusanov to undergo Man City medical ahead of £33.5m transfer
It was recently reported that Man City are on the verge of striking a deal with Lens for Khusanov after tabling an official offer on Thursday.
Now, multiple reports, including one from journalist Fabrizio Romano, claim that Lens have accepted Man City's bid of €40m (£33.5m) plus add-ons for Khusanov.
A full agreement between all parties has been reached and Lens are also said to have approved medical tests for the defender which will take place in the 'next days'.
The Uzbekistan international is now poised to join Man City on a four-and-a-half year contract that runs until June 2029 and includes an option to extend by a further 12 months.
Khusanov was snapped up by Lens for just €100,000 (£83,000) from Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU in the summer of 2023 and has since developed into one of the most promising young players in the French top flight.
The centre-back has been a first-team regular for Will Still's side this season, starting 11 of his 13 Ligue 1 games and helping Lens keep seven clean sheets.
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Who else are Man City targeting in January?
Khusanov is not the only central defender Man City are after this month, as they are reportedly in talks with Palmeiras over the signing of 18-year-old Vitor Reis.
It is understood that Reis have already agreed personal terms with the Citizens, but their opening bid has been rejected by Palmeiras, who are believed to be holding out for around €40m (£33.5m) - the same price City have agreed with Lens for Khusanov.
Both Man City and Palmeiras remain in talks over a potential January deal and Guardiola's side are said to remain confident that they will eventually get their man, although it remains unknown as to whether City plan to immediately integrate him into their first-team squad.
Meanwhile, the Premier League champions are also pushing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush who, like Reis, is said to have agreed personal terms over a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Man City want to sign the 25-year-old 'immediately', but they may need to pay as much as €80m (£67m) if they wish to lure the Egyptian away from the Bundesliga club.
Guardiola was tight-lipped on possible incomings at Man City when asked about transfers ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie with Salford City.
Oliver Thomas
