SHAKHTAR DONETSK rejected a £26million from Everton for Mykhaylo Mudryk in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old winger – nicknamed the “Ukrainian Neymar” – is one of the most highly-rated attackers in Europe and has received interest from the likes of Brentford and Arsenal.
He has started the season in fine form, scoring once and assisting twice against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, before adding another goal in last night’s 1-1 draw with Celtic.
And it has now been revealed by Shakhtar’s director of football Darijo Srna that Everton submitted a formal offer for the player in the summer.
He told CBS Sports: “We received an offer of €30million [from Everton]. And when our president doesn’t sell a player for €30m, especially in such difficult times, he is sending a message to everyone that he wants to progress in the Champions League and to win the championship.
“Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club and our president.”
Mudryk has previously spoken about a potential move to the Premier League.
And he name-checked Arsenal as a club who he would not be able to reject if they came calling.
He said: “Arsenal is a very good team with very good coach and I like the way they play.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
“From my side, I can’t say no [to Arsenal] but the transfer is not only my decision. It’s a lot of people, like the president of Shakhtar and the club.
“Every guy dreams about the Premier League. It’s a top league and everyone wants to play in it. But the speculation has passed and I must move forward and focus on Shakhtar and in winter we will see what will happen.
“There was a lot of discussions about a transfer and clubs who want me, but it’s normal. Now I am at Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. I love every guy in this team.
“Shakhtar for me is home, but I want to always improve myself and achieve new goals. Now, all my thoughts are only about Shakhtar but in the winter we will see.”
Mudryk also talked about being compared with Neymar.
“It’s not the Ukrainian Neymar. It’s Ukrainian Mudryk. This sounds better,” he said.
Read More on The Sun
“I think the nickname and the comparison with Neymar is a big compliment. But I am my own player.
“I work hard every day. My vision hasn’t changed. I need to keep improving my individual game and working hard if I want to earn that praise and be compared to top players.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
