Manchester City have signed Uzbekistan central defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 side Lens on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the Premier League club announced on Monday. British media said City had paid a transfer fee of 40 million euros ($41.

The Athletic reported that Khusanov attracted interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, and they will disappointed to miss out on a coveted young centre-back. City have conceded more goals than any team in the top six of the Premier League, who will all be interested to see if this signing can improve a porous back line.

Manchester City have completed the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens for a reported £38.8m fee on a four-and-a-half year contract.