Real Madrid interested in 20-year-old defender targeted by Manchester City

Last summer, Real Madrid had to start the headhunting process again for their backline after missing out on Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United. Los Blancos are likely to move for a centre-back this summer or next and have made contact with a Ligue 1 revelation.

According to Santi Aouna, Real Madrid has already made first contacts with RC Lens central defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbekistan centre-back is having a breakthrough season with Felix-Bollaert and Manchester City have also opened talks with his entourage, while Newcastle United are also keeping a close eye on Khusanov. Sport says Lens will ask around €25 million for the 20-year-old.

Los Blancos have been linked with several young centre-backs, including RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba and Palmeiras' Vitor Reis. Some believe that Raul Asencio could be given the opportunity to develop at the club, but recent policies have shown that Real Madrid prefers young talents who gain more mileage at other clubs before trusting them, as seen with players like Nico. Paz.