Everton ‘agree £18m Vitaliy Mykolenko transfer fee with Dyamo Kyiv as Rafa Benitez adds left-back to squad

EVERTON are close to sealing an £18million deal for Dynamo Kiev defender Vitaliy Mykolenko.

The Toffees are expected to land the Ukrainian left-back – who has made 132 appearances for his club – in January.

Vitaliy Mykolenko is reportedly close to swapping Dynamo Kiev for EvertonCredit: Reuters

The full-back, 22, featured in four of Ukraine’s games at Euro 2020, with his side falling to a last 16 exit after being thrashed 4-0 by England.

Everton’s swoop for Mykolenko comes amid reports of Lucas Digne falling out of favour with boss Rafa Benitez.

It is claimed the France star, 28, was dropped from the squad that beat Arsenal 2-1 following rumours of a spat between the player and the Toffees boss.

He was also omitted from the side that suffered a 3-1 defeat away at Crystal Palace last time out with Burnley next on Boxing Day.

And it is thought the defender has been told he needs to battle to regain his place in Everton’s starting XI.

Last week, Benitez told reporters: “What he has to do is ensure he continues working hard and the team is ahead of any individual.”

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Mykolenko, who has made 21 international appearances for Ukraine, featured in Dynamo’s short-lived run in this season’s Champions League.

The club suffered a group-stage exit after losing five of their opening six clashes with the last defeat coming against Benfica earlier this month.

Mykolenko’s impending Merseyside move is expected to coincide with the ex-Toffees centre-back David Weir’s return to the club.

The 51-year-old retired Scotland star made 235 Everton appearances during his eight-year spell at the club from 1999 to 2007.

The Mail reports Weir will take on a player development role at Goodison Park.

The former Everton defender coached the club’s academy and reserve players in 2012 before taking on the manager’s job at Sheffield where he was sacked after four months in charge in 2013.

And Weir currently manages Brighton players out on loan following assistant managerial spells at Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen left-back options in his side follow a reported spat with Lucas DigneCredit: Sportimage

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

Everton ‘agree £18m Vitaliy Mykolenko transfer fee with Dyamo Kyiv as Rafa Benitez adds left-back to squad

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