Manchester City and Liverpool had scouts in attendance to watch Shakhtar Donetsk play against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday night, according to TBR Football.
The website claims that the two Premier League sides were there mainly to watch attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov in action.
It is believed both teams are on the lookout for a new No.10 and they have identified the Ukrainian international as a potential option.
Sudakov’s Shakhtar side lost 3-0 against Atalanta so he is unlikely to have made a great impression midweek but the 22-year-old is a very promising young player.
The City target has been praised by his manager
Speaking about Sudakov earlier this year, Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Marino Pusic said that the midfielder possesses all the attributes to be a top player, including a great work ethic:
“He is an exceptionally talented footballer. Talent comes from nature or God, but you have to do something with it to develop it.”
“As we always say, hard work beats talent. Sudakov is a player who can and wants to work hard, develops every day, is a smart footballer, and can learn very quickly. All these are characteristics that will make him better.”
Sudakov won’t be available on the cheap
TBR report that Shakhtar are reluctant to let the Ukrainian leave and they are likely to hold out for a “similar fee” that they sold Mykhailo Mudryk for.
Chelsea bought the winger for an initial €70m (£62m) in January last year, with an additional €30m (£27m) in performance-related bonuses. Based on his form since his move to Stamford Bridge, he is not worth £87m.
Considering the difficulties that Mudryk has faced, it remains to be seen whether City will proceed with an offer for Sudakov.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
