Newcastle United are "tracking" Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of a potential switch, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their attacking options to strengthen their chances of bringing Champions League football to St James' Park next season, with the side currently sitting third in the Premier League table, having lost on just one occasion.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What is the latest news involving Mudryk?

The Athletic recently reported that £87m is the figure Shakhtar are holding out for to part with their prized asset, a development that the player himself said had "wounded" his dream.

It would be a huge sum for a player who is yet to prove himself outside of Ukraine, and so the fee is likely to dissuade all but the well-monied clubs, with journalist Dean Jones recently stating that the man himself would be "keen" to move to Arsenal.

Football Insider have claimed that Newcastle are also potential suitors, with the PIF giving the green light to lay the groundwork over a potential deal, so a transfer battle may emerge between the two Premier League giants.

What has Jacobs said about Mudryk?

Jacobs claims that Newcastle are tracking the availability of the sought-after young talent ahead of a potential January transfer.

The journalist has also indicated that other clubs have been put off making a move due to the amount he would now cost.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Newcastle are tracking the player as well, Brentford and Everton haven't come back in, not for January anyway, because they feel like they've been priced out of the market."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Is Mudryk worth the money?

Although the fee that Shakhtar appear to be holding out for is astronomical, there still could be a great deal of negotiation, considering the starlet has made it obvious that he wants to leave the club.

Journalist Jack Collins has previously lauded the playmaker as "almost undefendable" due to his "explosiveness", while also likening him to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

That sort of comparison puts Mudryk within fine company indeed, but it is fully merited as he has put on some dazzling displays in the Champions League this season, scoring three and bagging two assists in six outings.

This is a marked improvement on last season as the Shakhtar talisman did not register any goal contributions in the Champions League, highlighting the development that he has made at his current club.

Achieving those sorts of numbers in Europe's elite competition may indicate that it is time he moved on, however, and he could help Newcastle take that next step in their quest to be one of the world's most successful clubs, but £87m is too high a fee given his level of experience.

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