Report: Everton hold ‘strong interest’ in 27-year-old defender Mykola Matviyenko

Everton are said to be interested in Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko, though face competition from a number of Premier League clubs.

The 27-year-old was a target for both Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion during the January transfer window, however, talks broke down.

Indeed, the Ukrainian international has since signed a new contract with Shakhtar, keeping him at the club until 2027.

However, the player’s renewed deal has not prevented his name from being linked with a move to the Premier League next January, with a number of teams interested.

Everton are said to be interested in the versatile defender, who can play at both centre-back and left-back, alongside Burnley, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and West Ham United.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that the Premier League quintet hold ‘strong interest’ in the defender ahead of the winter transfer window.

Mykola Matviyenko could be a decent signing if the price is right

Everton were rumoured to be interested in a centre-back throughout the summer, though Sean Dyche’s attentions were primarily focused on strengthening his attacking options.

Indeed, the Toffees rejected the option of making Conor Coady’s loan deal from Wolves permanent, while Yerry Mina departed following the expiry of his contract, signing for Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent.

Meanwhile, versatile defender Mason Holgate moved to Championship side Southampton on a season-long loan deal, though the emergence of Jarrad Branthwaite alleviates some of the pressure at the back following his successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.

While the report does not indicate what kind of fee Shakhtar would want for Matviyenko, given the fact he has recently signed a new contract, the Ukrainian club will likely look to secure a decent price for the defender.

The 27-year-old has been capped 57 times by his country and has played over 100 games in the Ukrainian top-flight, scoring eight goals.