According to reports, Newcastle United have now set their sights on a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian winger is quickly garnering attention from across the continent following his performances in the Champions League.
After providing two assists and scoring in Shakhtar Donetsk’s 4-1 thrashing of RB Leipzig in their group stage opener, the 21-year-old then netted the equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Celtic on Wednesday.
What’s the news?
Football Insider have claimed that Eddie Howe is set to ‘revisit’ Newcastle’s situation in the final third of the pitch, having been in the market for another attacker this summer.
It’s stated that the 44-year-old is looking to add another ‘A-list goal threat’ after the Magpies were unable to bring in any of their ‘top targets’ following the club-record £63m signing Alexander Isak in August.
The report claims that Howe is a ‘firm admirer’ of Mudryk and has ‘given the green light to a concerted pursuit’.
Newcastle must act swiftly
Predominantly a left winger, the talented youngster has also appeared on the right-hand side during his career, as well as behind the striker in a number 10 role.
Even prior to his rapid rise in UEFA’s premier club competition, Mudryk has been dubbed the ‘Ukrainian Messi’, receiving his first call-up to the national side earlier this year after two goals and nine assists in 865 minutes of action for Shakhtar last season.
With five goal returns in as many appearances so far this term, the 21-year-old has continued his rich vein of form. However, with Arsenal also circling and Brentford having a £26m bid rejected in the summer transfer window, the Toon could face competition for the Ukraine youngster, so it could be in PIF’s best interests to act swiftly if they want to build upon Howe’s approval and get their man.
