'Khusanov has Man Utd DNA' - Agent reveals how Erik ten Hag rejected chance to sign Man City's new star after scouting trip

Earlier this week, City confirmed the signing of Khusanov in a £34 million ($42m) deal, but his agent has now revealed that he could have moved to United instead. The Uzbekistan international was being eyed by the Red Devils in 2023, after the Under-20 World Cup in which he played for his country, but manager Erik ten Hag opted against pressing ahead with the move.

Khusanov only spent two years in France with Lens and will now link up with City as he attempts to work his way into Pep Guardiola's plans. He has signed a contract until 2029, but his agent has now lifted the lid on the talks he held with City's biggest rivals.

Gairat Khasbiullin told Championat: "In May 2023, United scout Nicolas Chenalli was in Argentina for the U20 World Cup. After the second match of Uzbekistan at the tournament, he found my contact and wanted to meet."

He added:"[He said] that Khusanov has Manchester United DNA. It was at that moment that I realised that the guy would end up in a top club. The scout made a detailed report, but coach Ten Hag said that the defender was not quite ready to help the team at that time. Recently we corresponded with that Manchester United scout. He congratulated us on the transfer to City but regretted that the player did not end up at Manchester United."

City face Chelsea on Saturday in what could be Khusanov's debut, and Ten Hag may be wondering what might have been had he opted to snap him up.