Champions League star ‘open’ to Newcastle United move amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest

Newcastle United have reportedly been handed a major boost in their bid to sign in-demand Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Football Insider have claimed Magpies manager Eddie Howe has been ‘given the green light’ to make a move for Mudryk and has suggested the United hierarchy will ‘revisit the situation’ when the January transfer window opens for business.  The report states Mudryk is said to be ‘open’ to a move to St James Park but any deal could be delayed if Shakhtar progress into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Ukraine winger was in fine form on Tuesday night as he scored a stunning individual effort to help his side to a 1-1 draw at Scottish champions Celtic.  The result left Shakthar three points shy of second placed RB Leipzig in Group F, with the two sides set to meet in the final game of the group stage next Wednesday night.

Anything other than a Shakthar win would see Mudryk’s side eliminated and could open up the possibility of a move during the January transfer window.  However, the 21-year-old’s performances mean he will command a significant fee that could reach the £50m-mark by the time the winter trading gets underway.

Speaking recently, Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna told CBS Sports: “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.”

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton are all said to have shown an interest in the winger, with the latter of that trio said to have made an unsuccessful £25m offer for his services during the summer transfer window.