By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Dec, 2022 | 10:53am

Sources: Newcastle make move to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk after PiF green light

Newcastle United have made a move for Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk as they prepare to go toe to toe with Arsenal for his signature, sources have told Football Insider.

The north-east giants have set their sights on landing an A-list attacker who can play out wide, most likely on the left flank, and provide a consistent goal threat.

Mudryk, 21, is a long-term target for Arsenal and the player has publicly declared his interest in joining them next year.

But Newcastle have not given up hope of luring the Ukrainian forward and have made contact with Shakhtar to register their interest in a potential deal.

It will be complex for any of Mudryk’s suitors to agree a deal in January with Shakhtar demanding a huge fee for their in-demand star.

The club owners PiF have given the green light to spend in January and at least one box-office signing is possible.

Newcastle would have to smash their transfer record to finalise a deal for Mudryk, which would likely cost £50million-plus.

The Magpies have already spent almost £120million in the summer window – adding the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, and Nick Pope.

Mudryk has notched seven goals and six assists in the Ukraine Premier Liga this term – as well as lighting up the Champions League with a combined five goals and assists in six group games.

The eight-cap international is under contract until the summer of 2026 – but Shakhtar chiefs have long been open to the prospect of selling for the right price.

Newcastle sit third in the Premier League ahead of the resumption of action on Boxing Day.

However, the Magpies sit some seven points adrift of league leaders and transfer rivals Arsenal – who have a game in hand.

In other news, pundit on Newcastle United potentially signing World Cup star after January talks open.