by Manchester City have agreed a deal with Lens to sign Abdukodir Khusanov for €40m (£33.5m) plus add-ons, with the centre-back set to be the first signing of the window as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his team.
Having not trained with the Ligue 1 club on Friday, the 20-year-old is expected to officially become a City player soon. When he does, the 6ft 1in Uzbek international will join Guardiola’s squad and will immediately be part of his first-team plans.
Related: Why Manchester City is looking to think big and sign Omar Marmoush
The coach intends to strengthen his rearguard options following injuries to John Stones, Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké during this campaign.
City are also planning to test Eintracht Frankfurt’s resolve to hold on to their highly-rated striker Omar Marmoush with an official offer. Although Frankfurt’s official stance is that Marmoush is not for sale, it is understood that the club, currently third in the Bundesliga, could accept an offer in excess of €60m (£50m) for the 25-year-old Egyptian, who has scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this season.
Marmoush is a No.9, who can also operate as a No.10, and would ease Erling Haaland’s goalscoring burden. City sold Julián Alvarez to Atlético Madrid for a record fee of £81.5 million this summer, but have not replaced the striker.
City are also in discussions with Palmeiras regarding Vitor Reis, a defender who turns 19 on Sunday. They are expected to confirm their interest with a €40m (£33m) offer. Unlike Khusanov, the Brazil Under-17 central defender could be a signing for the future.
Asked on Friday about this month’s signings, Guardiola said: “Don’t ask me. I don’t like the transfer window very much but with the situation this season – with so many injuries – we have to try to do it. Regarding Marmoush in particular, he said: “He is a player from another club. I’m not going to answer. I was clear.
Ederson is available for Saturday’s FA Cup third round at Salford City, while Oscar Bobb is also back after the broken leg he suffered in training before the start of the season.
“Oscar is already training with the team – partially,” Guardiola said. “It’s not muscle, it was bone and it’s already repaired. It’s good news that he’s back.
Guardiola also said Kyle Walker had been left out of City’s squad for the last four games due to his form. “Maybe he’s not playing the minutes like he used to,” he said. “Rico [Lewis] plays very well, of course the central defenders, and Josko [Gvardiol, at left-back] plays well. It’s my decision.
After Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Ham, the manager said City’s build-up play remained too fast in Rodri’s absence. Guardiola was asked if Kevin De Bruyne could operate as a No.6 and ensure City’s approach was more patient.
“No, he can’t play there. He can’t play there,” he replied. “Still defensively, he’s not good enough.”
