Newcastle United would have no problems affording Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price for winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, as the race for the in-form star hots up, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies are among a host of clubs battling for the 21-year-old’s signature and an intense tussle could ensue once the transfer window reopens in January.

What is the latest on Mudryk?

Newcastle have joined the race to sign Mudryk, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, with the Ukrainian side previously demanding £43 million for his signature.

Eddie Howe is understood to have given the chase the green light ahead of January as he looks to add more of a goal threat to his front line.

But the North-East giants will face stiff competition for his signature.

Arsenal were chasing his services towards the end of the summer transfer window and plan to go back in for him after being put off by his asking price.

Liverpool have also now thrown their hat in the ring, according to reports in Italy, with Mudryk seen as a more direct replacement for Sadio Mane than Darwin Nunez has proven to be.

What has O’Rourke said on the situation?

O’Rourke understands that Newcastle would have no trouble paying the asking price for Mudryk in future windows.

But the journalist warns that Shakhtar will not let their star man go for cheap, especially after his brilliant start to the season.

When asked whether Newcastle’s spending power could give them an edge, O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Potentially, it could. Shakhtar are not an easy club to deal with, they're quite financially rich as well so it's not like they need the money, so they will be looking for top dollar for Mudryk. Newcastle can pay that but they have got FFP regulations that maybe stopped them signing as many players in the summer as people expected.”

Would Mudryk be a good signing for Newcastle?

The talented attacker has been making a name for himself in the Champions League this season.

In two appearances in Europe’s elite competition, he has already bagged two goals and provided two assists, helping a weakened Shakhtar thrash RB Leipzig 4-1 and draw with Celtic.

It is a run of form that will have likely only increased his price tag and, with his contract set to run until 2026, Shakhtar are not under pressure to sell.

At 21, there is no doubting he would be an exciting signing for Newcastle and could be central to their success for years to come.