Manchester United's reported interest in bringing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to Old Trafford may not be as strong as suggested elsewhere, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 21-year-old has been linked with the Red Devils, but Jones believes he may not feature prominently in Erik ten Hag's transfer plans.

Manchester United transfer news - Mykhaylo Mudryk

Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport back in August that Arsenal had a "serious interest" in signing the Ukrainian prodigy and he's been frequently mooted as a potential target for the north London side during the months since.

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs suggested to GMS that the Gunners will "explore" a move and "escalate their interest" in Mudryk in January.

However, a report from The Sun last month claimed Manchester United had joined Arsenal in the race to sign the promising youngster, who has been dubbed the 'Ukrainian Neymar' by a series of publications including The Times.

It was reported that the Red Devils have been tracking Mudryk for some time, with scouts watching his progress.

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

What has Dean Jones said about Mudryk moving to Old Trafford?

When asked whether Old Trafford boss ten Hag would prefer to have Mudryk than Jadon Sancho at his disposal right now - as per Whoscored, the England international has scored just five Premier League goals since signing for the Red Devils in summer 2021 - Jones dismissed the suggestion, before claiming reports of United's interest had been exaggerated.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "I think that's probably pushing it too far. I don't think there's too much in the link at the moment, from what I understand."

How much could Mudryk cost?

Mudryk's potential price-tag has become a real source of contention in recent weeks.

As reported by The Athletic, both club director Carlo Nicolini and director of football Dario Srna have suggested Shakhtar value the in-demand prodigy at €100m (£85.8m).

Mudryk himself made no secret of his discontent with that valuation, describing himself as "shocked" and "very upset" that his club were effectively pricing him out of a move.

As per The Metro, he told Sport Arena: "I am 100 per cent sure that they are unlikely to buy a player from the championship of Ukraine for €100m. Serhii Anatoliyovych says that the time will come. Maybe so. But I have my opinion that for such an amount, this time will not come soon, and maybe never."

However, Jacobs has previously suggested to GiveMeSport that Mudryk could cost €60m-€65m (£51.5m-£55.8m), while The Mirror are reporting that Shakhtar are willing to do business at just £40m plus potential add-ons.