United determined to beat Chelsea to signing of 6’1 defensive titan who is “golden talent” of his country – report

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs keen on Dynamo Kyiv defender Taras Mykhavko ahead of the summer transfer window. According to TEAMtalk, the 20-year-old is emerging as one of the most exciting young defensive prospects in Eastern Europe, with several leading clubs now monitoring his development closely. Mykhavko has already made his senior debut for Ukraine and has grown into an important figure for Dynamo Kyiv since making his first-team breakthrough in 2023. His profile rose further last year when he was voted Ukraine’s Young Player of the Year after helping Dynamo Kyiv win the league title. He was also named “Golden talent of Ukraine” in 2024. Premier League clubs step up interest in Taras Mykhavko While sides in Spain, Italy and Germany are also said to be keeping tabs on the defender, the strongest interest at this stage is coming from the Premier League. United and Chelsea are described as two of Taras Mykhavko‘s most prominent admirers in England as they continue to assess options for the next transfer window. Furthermore, Liverpool have also reportedly tracked the left-sided centre-back, although their recent move for Jeremy Jacquet means a summer push from Anfield is now viewed as unlikely. Moreover, Tottenham Hotspur are also in the picture, with Mykhavko having been discussed internally as a possible long-term target. In addition, Nottingham Forest are said to view the Ukrainian as a strong replacement option in the event Murillo attracts a major offer this summer. Golden talent in demand Meanwhile, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth have all conducted checks as interest continues to gather pace around the Dynamo Kyiv defender. Mykhavko has senior international experience despite still being only 20-years-old, which helps explain why so many clubs are watching him. He signed a new long-term contract with Kyiv in January, though that has not stopped speculation over a possible move later this year. If the current level of attention continues, Mykhavko could become the latest Ukrainian player to head to England after impressing in his homeland and establishing himself as one of the country’s brightest young talents. Essentially, no transfer is said to be close, but United, Chelsea and several other Premier League clubs could all be worth watching as the summer window moves into view. Feature image Selim Sudheimer via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, accurate, and source-led news, analysis, opinions, team developments, injuries, press conferences, and matchday reactions. A former secondary school teacher, he now coaches college football (not soccer) and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16-years-old in 2014; over a decade later, United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.