Everton target Mykhaylo Mudryk ‘wants to be playing’ in the Champions League or Europa League, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Shakhtar Donestk winger has been linked with a host of top clubs from across the continent in recent weeks and could make the switch to English football sooner rather than later.

What is the latest news involving Mudryk?

Italian outlet Calciomercato recently reported that Everton are eager to snap up the talented 21-year-old when the transfer window reopens in January, although they could face stiff competition for his signature.

It’s claimed that Serie A giants Juventus and domestic rivals Arsenal are also keen on Mudryk and may be set to rival the Toffees for his services in around four months’ time.

Previous reports have stated that the Ukraine international will be available for a fee in the region of £30 million, and Everton and Arsenal could have an advantage over Juve in the race for his services.

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And that’s because Mudryk admitted that he ‘dreams’ about playing in the Premier League in an honest interview with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

"Yes,” the creative talent replied when asked if he harbours aspirations of playing in English football's top-flight at some stage of his career. “I think every guy dreams about the Premier League.”

What has Jones said about Mudryk?

Jones doesn’t believe that Everton have ‘got the clout’ to sign Mudryk in their current state, though, given his aspiration to play in European football’s elite cup competition.

He told GiveMeSport: “He's one of the hottest prospects around in European football at the moment. Personally, I don't think Everton have got the clout to get him in their current state.

“The size of the club is fine, but they're not even knocking on the door of European football at the moment, and that's where he wants to be. So, any club that's outside of the Champions League or Europa League, I don't think have got a chance of getting this guy.”

How good is Mudryk?

Mudryk racked up two goals and seven assists in 11 Premier Liga games last term before Shakhtar’s campaign was abruptly cut short by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

And the technician showcased his true potential in Shakhtar’s opening Champions League encounter of the season this time around, scoring once and setting up two further strikes for his teammates in a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig.

It seems unlikely that he would be willing to make the switch to Everton, therefore, and Frank Lampard may have to focus his attention on alternative targets.