Pundit Tam McManus has backed Newcastle United in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in the January transfer window after a fresh update.
The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Mudryk
As per Football Insider recently, the St James' Park club are laying the groundwork to sign the 21-year-old for what could end up being a new club-record fee in January.
An update this morning from the same outlet has revealed that the Magpies regard the Ukraine international a 'viable target' for the winter transfer window, although he is just one of numerous potential forward targets on whom they are currently working.
The Latest: Magpies backed in Mudryk pursuit
Speaking to Football Insider, McManus has backed the Premier League club to sign Mudryk in January, with the 41-year-old claiming that they just 'might go for it' and that the Tyneside club is one of the most attractive in football right now.
The former Hibernian striker said of Mudryk and Newcastle: “He could come in and make them better. I saw him play against Celtic and he scored an incredible goal. He looks ready for the Premier League.
“You look at Newcastle’s wide options. It’s only Almiron who is producing. Saint-Maximin has been injured, Murphy works hard but doesn’t really score or assist and Ryan Fraser hasn’t been anywhere this season.
“You bring Mudryk in and he is a clear starter, especially for the money you would have to spend to sign him.
“He has such a high ceiling and we have spoken before about how Newcastle might go for it in January now they are in the top three.
“There can’t be many better clubs to sign for than Newcastle at the moment, the place is buzzing.”
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The Verdict: Statement move
Given that Mudryk has been linked to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal as well as the Tynesiders, the current top two in the Premier League, signing him ahead of their rivals would be a real statement of intent from the owners.
Lauded as ‘absolutely unreal’ and ‘undefendable’ in explosive bursts by football presenter and pundit Jack Collins, the 21-year-old is having an unbelievable season so far, with eight goals and eight assists in 16 games across all competitions, including five goal contributions in the Champions League (Transfermarkt).
Only Miguel Almiron can match him for goals in the top flight at St James' Park, while nobody in Eddie Howe's squad comes close to the Ukrainian in terms of assists, as per WhoScored.
Mudryk is an upgrade on what the Magpies already have, and the fact that he is only 21 means that his potential could be truly frightening.