Leeds United are still in pursuit of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk - but are not confident they can strike a deal.
The 25-year-old was a high-profile acquisition for the Blues, who paid an initial fee believed to be worth around £62m to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023.
His progress came to an abrupt halt in December 2024, when he was provisionally suspended after failing a drug test. He was later given a four-year doping ban by the FA, putting his career on hold.
Mykhailo Mudryk returned to action with Chelsea earlier this month.placeholder image
Mykhailo Mudryk returned to action with Chelsea earlier this month. | May JAMES / AFP via Getty Images
All charges were dropped in July and the Ukraine international made his playing comeback during Chelsea’s pre-season programme.
He now looks set for a loan move away from Stamford Bridge and Leeds have been named as admirers.
Mykhailo Mudryk state of play
A loan proposal is thought to have been made by the Whites, although reports have indicated Leeds have been knocked back.
The Yorkshire Post understands the deal is not completely dead, but Leeds are not confident they can land the explosive wideman.
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Mudryk is keen to make the move to West Yorkshire, a factor that may be giving Leeds some faint hope in their chase. However, it has been suggested he could be moved out to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.
Whites boss Daniel Farke is often tight-lipped when it comes to potential signings and was typically coy over the weekend.
He said: “Of course I know Mudryk. There's no doubt about him, he's a really good player. But like I always say I never comment on any speculation or any other players who are playing currently for other teams so no components from me in public about this topic.”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has remained coy regarding the possibility of further additions to his squad.placeholder image
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has remained coy regarding the possibility of further additions to his squad. | Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire
Leeds United’s summer transfer business
Leeds have shown plenty of ambition in the summer transfer window already, adding four new faces to their senior squad.
Three of them - James Trafford, Tarik Muharemović and Harry Wilson - made their debuts in the weekend win over Nottingham Forest.
Nico Elvedi could make his first appearance in Leeds colours tonight (August 26), when Farke’s men will return to Forest’s City Ground home for a Carabao Cup tie.