Manchester City have finalised a deal for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov that could be worth £33.5m plus add-ons.
Lens boss Will Still said: 'We know that there are negotiations in progress, things are moving.
'He's sick. He was in the gym today, but he went home. [But] after that, we're not going to lie to each other.'
Khusanov will become the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the top flight when he completes his move.
City are expected to make further proposals for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, 18, and Eintracht Frankurt striker Omar Marmoush this weekend.