Daniel Farke
Leeds United have seen a loan offer for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk rejected by the London outfit, as a transfer race for the forward begins to build.
GIVEMESPORT reported on Friday that the Whites had shown interest in Mudryk, who is back training with Chelsea after charges of violating anti-doping rules were dropped.
It remains unclear whether Mudryk will have a part to play under new manager Xabi Alonso this season, with the Blues kickstarting their Premier League campaign with a West London derby against Fulham on Monday night.
Leeds United are now known to have submitted a formal loan offer for the Ukraine international, as Daniel Farke looks to add another fresh face to his front line.
Leeds United remain in Chelsea talks
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Standard Sport reports that Leeds United are actively engaged in early talks, undeterred by a first offer being rejected by Chelsea. Coventry City are also tracking a potential move.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted: "Mykhailo Mudryk will leave Chelsea on loan in the upcoming days, confirmed. Leeds United sent a loan proposal rejected by Chelsea but negotiations will continue - with Mudryk set to go and play.
"Strasbourg also indicated as option but Mudryk prefers loan move in Premier League, Leeds will insist in the next days."
Chelsea are not willing to sanction a permanent move for the 25-year-old, who signed a lengthy eight-and-a-half-year deal when arriving at Stamford Bridge from Shakhtar Donetsk for £62million in January 2023.
Mudryk is reported to favour a Premier League loan move over interest from abroad, with Serie A clubs also said to be monitoring a potential loan move for the winger.
The Ukrainian has not played for Chelsea since a UEFA Conference League clash against Heidenheim in November 2024, when he scored in a 2-0 win. Mudryk has a total of 10 goals and 11 assists in 73 appearances so far.
Mykhailo Mudryk seasons since joining Chelsea in January 2023
2022/23 - 23 appearances, 3 goals, 4 assists
2023/24 - 41 appearances, 7 goals, 4 assists
2024/25 - 15 appearances, 3 goals, 5 assists
2025/26 - 0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists
Frank Lampard eyes Mudryk reunion at Coventry City
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard
Championship - Preston North End v Coventry City - Deepdale, Preston, Britain - December 9, 2025 Coventry City manager Frank Lampard Action Images/Craig Brough
Leeds United, who have already snapped up Harry Wilson as a free agent this summer, could face serious competition from Coventry City. The Sky Blues were handed a rude awakening on Friday night, when thumped 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League curtain-raiser.
Frank Lampard's side had moments of promise but failed to create any gilt-edged chances, and are in the market for extra dynamism that Mudryk could provide.
The Coventry City manager worked with Mudryk during his brief caretaker stint at Chelsea in 2023 and has been outspoken with praise for the player.
Shortly after leaving that post, when recruited for an appearance on Monday Night Football, Lampard even admitted that he had tried to sign the player while in charge of Everton.
He said:
"He’s out after training, and he wants to shoot. He’s a very good finisher, and I know we haven’t seen that, but you have to come back and say that this young boy has moved into the Premier League, and it’s different.
"The areas in which I have seen him – at Everton we actually wanted to buy him, it was probably never going to happen – and he moved on to Chelsea, but I have seen a lot of him and when he is wide it is natural you get the ball to his feet but now people are very aware of this from him, the pace, and they will try and stop him."
Shakhtar Donetsk chief Sergei Palkin once described Mudryk as "the most talented and unique player in the world". He will be keen to regain some form with game time at a new club and show he is capable of living up to that billing.