Leeds are one of several clubs interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko, a report from 90Min has claimed.
A graduate of Shakhtar’s academy, Matviyenko – who most naturally plays at centre back, but can also feature in the left-back role – has made 81 appearances in all competitions for Donetsk, winning two Ukrainian Premier Leagues and four Ukrainian Cups with the club.
Now it seems as though Matviyenko is attracting plenty of attention from across Europe, with Elland Road emerging as a potential destination for the 24-year-old.
According to the latest reports, Leeds are one of four Premier League clubs, along with Everton, Wolves and West Ham, who are interested in signing Matviyenko, although it seems the quartet are not alone with their interest in the defender.
Recently crowned Champions League winners Bayern Munich are arguably the biggest name to be linked with the centre back, with RB Leipzig, Monaco and Napoli all said to be keen on the versatile defender.
There are just 12 months remaining on Matviyenko’s contract with Shakhtar, meaning the club may be hopeful of a bidding war to get them the best possible fee for the defender, and it is thought that the Ukrainian giants are hopeful of a windfall of somewhere in the region of £20million.
As a result, a deal such as this would surely take a huge chunk out of Leeds’ transfer budget, which would make it something of a risk.
However, the experience Matviyenko already has, and the level of interest there is in him, suggests this could be a chance worth taking, and it would make this a big show of strength from Leeds if the defender was to step out at Elland Road in the famous White shirt in a few weeks time.