Newcastle United are reportedly 'laying the groundwork' with a view to signing Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk during the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Shakhtar during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.
Mudryk has netted five goals and registered five assists in nine league outings this term, while he contributed three goals and two assists in six outings in the group stage of the Champions League.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Ukraine international in recent weeks, with a number of clubs, including Manchester City and Real Madrid, said to be keen to sign him.
Arsenal have also been heavily linked with the attacker, and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently said that the Gunners were in the running for his signature.
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However, according to Football Insider, Newcastle are putting plans in place to potentially sign the forward when the winter transfer window opens for business.
The report claims that the Magpies, who have become one of the richest clubs in world football due to their recent takeover, want a 'A-list attacker' in the early stages of 2023.
A January deal for Mudryk could allegedly cost in excess of £50m, with Shakhtar's position weakened following their failure to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League.
Newcastle's owners have allegedly told head coach Eddie Howe that there will be money to spend at the start of next year, and a 'box-office signing' could arrive.
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Mudryk, who has a contract with Shakhtar until December 2026, has scored 10 goals and registered 16 assists in 41 appearances for his current side in all competitions.
Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League table, having collected 27 points from their opening 14 matches of the campaign.
The Magpies are guaranteed to be at least fourth heading into the break for the World Cup, as they currently sit four points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.
Howe's side have won each of their last five games in all competitions, including a 4-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League last weekend.
Newcastle were also victorious in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, triumphing on penalties following a goalless draw, to advance to the fourth round of the competition.
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