Club publicly admit they will sell Man United target, but there’s two catches

Shakhtar Donetsk have publicly admitted that they will be selling midfielder Georgiy Sudakov this summer, with Manchester United interested.

Manchester United are reportedly looking at signing a new midfielder this summer as one of four priority positions that need reinforcements under Erik ten Hag.

Although there are doubts about the Dutch manager’s job security, the club has seen its scouting network used extensively as INEOS look to unearth new talent for Old Trafford ahead of the next campaign.

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With United lacking in creative power and generally dominance in football matches, they have reportedly been looking at 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.

This is according to Standard Sport, where Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are also credited with interest.

Sudakov will be sold

“This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs,” said Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin of the younger, who can also play out wide.

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“We have had some contacts with big clubs, and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

“He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov.”

There are two catches

However, United need to be aware of two potential catches should they decide to pursue Sudakov this summer.

The first, as mentioned above, is that United are one of five Premier League clubs said to hold an interest in him. So, they must be careful not to enter into a race to overpay for the relatively unproven youngster. They do not want to end up like Chelsea and Liverpool in their battle for Moises Caicedo last summer.

The second is the price tag.

Standard Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella has explained: “Napoli had a £34m bid for Sudakov, who has 14 Ukraine caps, rejected in January and did not match the £43m counter offer from Shakhtar, which did not include potential add-ons.”

It is then stated that he is now being rated at £60 million. Shakhtar has shown themselves to be tough negotiators who drive a high bargain—it may be better for INEOS to look elsewhere.