Newcastle United are ‘keeping a very close eye’ on the situation of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
The Magpies are one of several Premier League clubs believed to be taking a keen interest in the highly-rated 21-year-old as they contemplate attempting to bring him to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United transfer news – Mykhaylo Mudryk
A recent report from The Athletic has claimed that Newcastle, alongside Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, have monitored Mudryk’s progress.
Shakhtar sporting director Carlo Nicolini has claimed that the Ukraine international will cost ‘more than Antony’ following his big-money move from Ajax to Manchester United over the summer.
“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer,” he told Calciomercato.it program, TV Play.
“We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m (£86m). We are not obliged to sell; we do not want to make phenomena.”
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has previously informed GiveMeSport that he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Newcastle sign a central midfielder and a winger in the upcoming January transfer window.
What has Jacobs said about Mudryk?
Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners for Mudryk’s signature with the player outlining how he is open to joining Mikel Arteta’s side, yet a switch to the Emirates Stadium is far from a formality.
In an interview with GMS, Jacobs said: “Arsenal haven't actually made any formal club-to-club contact.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
“So, if Mudryk wants that move to Arsenal, he’s going to have to keep his fingers crossed that Arsenal escalate and advance the transfer.
“And if they don't, then there becomes a window of opportunity for a club like Newcastle, who are also keeping a very close eye on the Mudryk situation.”
Would Mudryk be a good signing?
Mudryk registered two goals and seven assists in 11 Premier Liga games last season before Skahktar’s campaign was halted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
And the 5 foot 9 ace has taken his game to new heights in the current campaign, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions in his 18 appearances across all competitions, setting up eight further strikes along the way, leading to him being labelled a 'special talent'.
As per FBref, Mudryk has also ranked in the 98th percentile for completed dribbles, 97th for touches in the attacking penalty area, 92nd for progressive passes received, and 90th for total shots amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Mudryk could prove to be a valuable addition to Eddie Howe’s side, therefore, helping Newcastle to continue their impressive progress on the pitch.