West Ham reignite interest in 47-cap international also wanted by Brentford
West Ham United have reportedly renewed their interest in Ukraine international Mykola Matviyenko, who is apparently in contact with Brentford.
Matviyenko was a reported target of a number of Premier League sides a couple of years ago. Leeds United, Arsenal and West Ham were all linked with the Ukrainian.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a good deal of success during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk. He has been in a league-winning side on three occasions, and has won the Ukrainian cup four times.
He has also represented his country 47 times in his career and also has experience in European competitions. Matviyenko played the full 90 minutes in this season’s Champions League on four occasions, including in a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in September.
Given his vast experience, English sides have begun to take notice once again. Brentford are reported to have made contact with Shakhtar, per 90min.
West Ham are also named in that report as a club who are keeping a keen eye on Matviyenko.
His versatile nature could be a bonus for the Hammers for a number of reasons. Indeed, Matviyenko can play as either a centre-back or a left-back.
West Ham were on the lookout for centre-back reinforcements in January with their options limited at present. Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma’s injuries coinciding has meant only two senior centre-backs have been available for much of the campaign.
What’s more, left-back Arthur Masuaku will reportedly be allowed to leave West Ham in the coming transfer window.
As such, signing Matviyenko could make for suitable cover in both positions. However, West Ham have not made contact yet, and will have Brentford to contend with should they pursue the Ukrainian.
Matviyenko could join select group
Should Matviyenko move to the Premier League, he would be joining a small group of Ukrainian players.
There are currently only three Ukrainians plying their trade in the English top flight: Andriy Yarmolenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko.
In fact, there have only ever been eight players from Ukraine to play in the Premier League.
As such, Matviyenko could become one of a very select group – should any of the interested English teams pull the trigger on a move.
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