Everton will reportedly compete with Ajax and Werder Bremen in the race to sign 26-year-old Ukrainian right-back Yukhym Konoplya from Shakhtar Donetsk.
According to an update by reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Yukhym Konoplya is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back this year. So, the 26-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk defender has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
However, Everton will not be alone in the race to sign the Donetsk-born full-back from the Ukrainian Premier League club, as he is also a target for Ajax and Werder Bremen. Konoplya has entered the final six months of his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk, and he will be available for free in the summer transfer window.
Who is Yukhym Konoplya?
Yukhym Konoplya has established himself as one of the best players in his homeland since breaking into the first-team squad at Shakhtar Donetsk. A native of Donetsk, the 26-year-old spent his formative years in Ukraine and graduated from the youth division at Shakhtar Donetsk. He spent two seasons with Desna Chernigiv before establishing a foothold at his boyhood club.
The Ukrainian international has made over 100 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk thus far while chipping in with seven goals and 15 assists. Meanwhile, Konoplya’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Everton will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature this year.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Everton’s interest in Yukhym Konoplya is understandable. The Toffees are scouring the market for a right-back, as Seamus Coleman is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, Nathan Patterson has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the Merseyside outfit.
Several candidates, including Brooke Norton-Cuffy, have thus emerged on Everton’s wishlist, with Konoplya also a viable target. However, the Premier League club will not be alone in the battle for the Shakhtar Donetsk defender’s signature, as Ajax and Werder Bremen are also keen on securing his services.
Everton and Ajax have fallen behind Werder Bremen in the battle for Konoplya’s signature, with the Bundesliga outfit already holding talks to sign him. With the 26-year-old Ukrainian right-back entering the final six months of his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk, a bargain move is on the cards.