Former Premier League striker now pundit Frank McAvennie has backed Newcastle United to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Lowdown: Scouts watch Mudryk
It was reported last week that scouts from St James' Park watched the Ukrainian in action against Celtic in the Champions League, when he netted a screamer in a 1-1 draw at Parkhead which has given his team a chance of qualifying for the last 16 if they can beat RB Leipzig tonight.
He is thought to be 'open' to joining the Tynesiders, and Eddie Howe has personally given the 'green light' to pursue a deal in the January transfer window.
The Latest: Mudryk move backed
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has claimed that he 'could see' Mudryk moving to Newcastle ahead of others in Europe, as they are 'on the up'.
The 62-year-old, once of Aston Villa, said: “He is so quick. You can tell he is not fit enough because he blew a gasket, he was absolutely knackered [against Celtic].
“Talent-wise, absolutely. Nobody likes pace running at you, nobody likes it when people run at you. He is a good player, definitely.
“There will be other clubs in Europe, but I could see him going to Newcastle ahead of the others. If he knows anything about football. Somebody will tell him they are on the up.“
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The Verdict: Get it done
Mudryk is a player capable of transforming the Magpies' attack, as evident by his impressive showings in the Champions League.
That solo goal against Celtic was one of three that he has managed in the group stage so far, along with two assists, while he also has four goals and five assists in Ukraine's top flight (Transfermarkt).
Football presenter and pundit Jack Collins has hailed him as ‘absolutely unreal’ and ‘undefendable’ in explosive bursts, and Mudryk has the capabilities of lighting up the Premier League.
However, according to Shakhtar's deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini, it would take at least €100m (£86.1m) to sign him, which even for Newcastle's wealthy owners may be too much to land the 21-year-old for now.