Premier League giants Everton are reportedly closing in the capture of 22-year-old Dynamo Kyiv defender Vitaliy Mykolenko.
According to a report from Dynamo Kyiv Inside, as relayed by Goodison News, Everton are on the verge of securing their first signing of the January transfer window in Vitaliy Mykolenko. The Premier League outfit has held negotiations with Dynamo Kyiv regarding the services of the 22-year-old Ukrainian defender, and it is only a matter of time before the deal is finalised.
Mykolenko would become the first signing for Everton in the window, serving as a sigh of relief for Rafael Benitez, who is desperate to bolster his options in the defensive unit. Especially in the fullback department, the club has lacked depth, often appearing overly reliant on the services of Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne.
Although the right-back is certainly a priority for an Everton side that has been linked with a move for Kieran Trippier, the potential addition of Mykolenko could be a massive boost for the team as well.
The 22-year-old is among the most talented young players in Ukraine right now, having been a member of Dynamo Kyiv’s senior side for over four years. He has already made 132 competitive appearances for the team, making quite an impression with his ability to make marauding runs forward.
The youngster also offers a lot of versatility as he can operate as a centre-back. It could come in handy for the Toffees amid the uncertain future of star player Yerry Mina, who is a target for Atletico Madrid, among many other clubs across Europe.
In addition to his versatility, Mykolenko offers a considerable amount of experience at the highest level of football. If his 132 appearances for Dynamo were not enough, the left-back already has 21 caps for the Ukrainian national team. He was one of the defensive mainstays in his nation’s UEFA Euro 2020 campaign earlier in the year.
From a sporting perspective, Mylolenko could be a useful alternative for Digne on the left flank. Alternatively, he can offer backup for the central defensive duo of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, although the Toffees are actively looking for further reinforcements in the defensive unit. They are among the clubs in contention to sign Pontus Jansson, who is also a target for Newcastle United and Leicester City.
