Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds in running to smash club record fee on talented Champions League star wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool

Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk, August 2022

Leeds United will reportedly put themselves firmly in the mix to sign Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January, according to a trusted transfer journalist.

The Ukraine international finds himself in high demand after an electric start to the season. Indeed, in just two matches in the competition so far, Mudryk has already had a hand in four goals. And after scoring two and making two more, it’s little surprise to see a flurry of clubs chasing his signature.

A full Ukraine international, he was recently watched by a plethora of Premier League scouts during the Nations League clash against Scotland last month.

That chase is seemingly being led by Arsenal. The Gunners saw a £25m summer approach for Mudryk flatly rejected by Shakhtar. And that decision appears to have paid off with his valuation pretty much doubling since.

Indeed, Arsenal remain very much keen, having been tipped to launch a fresh move in January. But there is also strong interest from Liverpool too. Indeed, their sporting director Julian Ward is reportedly deploying their top scout to make regular checks on the winger.

And recent reports are also suggesting that Newcastle are seriously considering an offer of their own, with Eddie Howe an admirer.

However, Leeds are also now reportedly considering an offer of their own if the latest claims are accurate.

The Whites remain in the hunt for more attacking options, with a goalscoring winger among their needs.

They saw a summer offer for Cody Gakpo fall flat, and will likely try again for the PSV star in January.

But where that to fail – and Manchester United are also reportedly readying a new offer too for Gakpo – then Leeds could turn to Mudryk.

Leeds planning Mykhaylo Mudryk offer

The Whites’ apparent interest in Mudryk has been revealed by transfer journalist Dean Jones.

He believes they have a solid chance of luring him to Elland Road come the winter window.

And while it would take a club-record fee to sign him, he insists Leeds’ interest in the player is genuine.

“Leeds have probably got as good a chance as anyone of convincing him that it’s a good place for him to land and show everybody what he’s capable of in the Premier League,” Jones told This is Futbol.

And their interest in the winger has also been confirmed by 90min, who believe Leeds were also among the throng of scouts at Hampden.

Signing the winger, however, is likely to be tough.

The Ukrainians are reportedly hoping for as much as £50m for his sale in January. While that appears a touch ambitious, any deal is likely to smash Leeds’ transfer record.

And according to Shakhtar director Darijo Srna, his player should now be considered the third best winger in Europe.

During an interview with CBS Sports, Srna claimed: “Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position.

“If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money. They must respect our club and our president.”

Leeds do have funds for the right player

Leeds have illustrated in the past that they are willing to put their hands in their pockets for the top young talent. Indeed, summer offers for Gakpo and Charles De Ketelaere illustrated that, though on both occasions Leeds fell short.

However, it would come as little surprise were they to move for Mudryk, either.

The Whites ideally need to add more goals to their attack and do feel well covered up front. But adding more goals and pace from their wings remains an option to them.

They can also sell the move by convincing players they will achieve regular football at Elland Road. They can also point to the example of Raphinha, who used playing in the Premier League as a springboard to Barcelona. The same approach will also be used for other top emerging talent.

The problem, though, for Leeds is that these players, such as Mykhaylo Mudryk, often consider themselves already at that level. As such, moves to mid-to-lower end Premier League sides – like Leeds – don’t always carry the appeal.

Jesse Marsch’s side are firmly fixed in mid-table after their opening seven games with two wins, two defeats and three draws so far.

READ MOREMan Utd and Tottenham plans to replace superstars with Leeds ace will spark transfer-defining response