Newcastle United could make a 'real statement' by sealing a deal which would see Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk head to St James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund, which led a £305million takeover last year, will hand Magpies head coach Eddie Howe another opportunity to bolster his squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
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What's the latest news involving Mudryk?
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are in the market for an A-list attacker who can play out wide and, as a result, are laying the groundwork to sign Mudryk.
The report suggests the Tyneside giants have made preliminary moves for the eight-cap Ukraine international and are looking to strike a January deal worth upwards of £50million.
However, Newcastle may be playing catch-up in their pursuit of Mudryk as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have held ‘very positive contacts’ with the winger's representatives.
It is understood that Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax are also mulling over whether to head to the negotiating table.
Everton have been among Mudryk's admirers as well, but Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna has confirmed the Toffees fell short with a £26million bid during the summer transfer window.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Keith Downie said about Mudryk?
Downie believes Newcastle can show they mean business by winning the race for Mudryk and concluding a 2023 deal.
The Sky Sports reporter feels the 21-year-old is the standout name among those to have been linked with a mid-season switch to St James' Park.
He is excited about the prospect of Mudryk linking up with Howe's side, who are flying high in the Premier League.
Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "That one really stands out. If they were to bring someone like him in, that would be a real statement."
Would Mudryk be a good signing for Newcastle?
Having become the richest club in world football last year, Newcastle are eager to break into the Champions League and contest for plenty of silverware.
There is no doubt that Mudryk is capable of taking the Magpies to the next level as he has enjoyed a stellar start to the season and is already comfortably into double figures for goal contributions.
He really caught the eye during the Champions League group stage despite Shakhtar finishing third in Group F, resulting in them dropping into the Europa League.
Mudryk, who has been described as 'incredible', found the back of the net three times and registered a further two assists in 519 minutes of action in the competition.
That means the Ukrainian got his name on the scoresheet every 173 minutes, which is no mean feat and underlines that he would be an eye-catching signing by Newcastle.
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