Journalist Pete O'Rourke has claimed that it is going to be 'very hard' for Newcastle United to persuade Mykhaylo Mudryk to join, contrary to some reports.

The Lowdown: Mudryk 'open' to joining Newcastle

It was reported in late October that Mudryk is ‘open’ to joining the St James' Park outfit next year, and the Magpies sent scouts to watch him in action away to Celtic in the Champions League group stage.

The Ukrainian is thought to be ‘keen’ on moving to a club in the Premier League in the January transfer window, so Newcastle could be a possibility.

The Latest: Will be 'very hard'

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke has claimed that it will actually be 'very hard' to persuade Mudryk to move to Tyneside, as he will want to join 'one of Europe’s elite clubs'.

The reporter stated: “For sure they’re in there. It’s going to be very hard, I think, for Newcastle to persuade Mudryk to move to St. James’ Park.

“I’m sure Mudryk will be looking to join one of Europe’s elite clubs right now with the form that he’s shown for Shakhtar, especially in the Champions League this season.

“So, he’s not going to be short of takers, you’ve got the likes of Arsenal and other clubs in the Premier League as well as clubs across Europe who I’m sure are interested in Mudryk.”

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The Verdict: Who else is interested?

As O'Rourke claims, Arsenal are also interested in signing Mudryk, and so are the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool reportedly.

Some big clubs in the Champions League are also poised to come in for the 21-year-old in January, as Shakhtar Donetsk have dropped down to the Europa League.

He lit up the Champions League in the group stage, having scored three goals and supplied two assists (Transfermarkt), including the screamer at Celtic Park which was seen by Magpies scouts.

It could be difficult for Newcastle to persuade Mudryk to sign for them in January, but if they qualify for the Champions League for next season, there is every chance that he could join in the summer.