£34m Newcastle United target set to complete Premier League transfer in next '24 to 48 hours'

Newcastle have shown a genuine interest in the 20-year-old but Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) continue to limit what business can be done this month.

The same, however, can’t be said for Manchester City, who are set to complete the signings of Khusanov and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush for a combined £100million.

Pep Guardiola’s side have agreed a deal in principle with Marmoush as they look to strike a full agreement with Frankfurt this week. Khusanov, meanwhile, is due in England in the next 24 to 48 hours to complete his switch.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Manchester City have now planned medical, contract signing and formal steps in terms of documents to sign for Khusanov deal. It will be all sealed in 24/48h. Here we go, confirmed.”

Sporting director Paul Mitchell had identified the Uzbekistan international as a cheaper alternative to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The England international was Eddie Howe’s number one transfer target but United refused to meet his £70m price tag.

Mitchell wants Newcastle to move away from signing ready-made Premier League stars and focus more on unearthing talent as a way of tackling PSR.

Signing a central defender is likely to come top of the Magpies’ priority list in the coming months. As it stands, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth out of contract at the end of the campaign, though the latter two have been in talks over extending their stays.

But Schar turns 34 this year and Krafth is largely a back-up option. It is hoped by not spending in January, the Magpies will be a stronger position come the summer with recruiting a new right winger also top of the list, despite Jacob Murphy’s recent good form.