Multiple sources are now reporting that Everton will bid about £15 million for the services of Dynamo Kiev's attacker Andriy Yarmolenko. Roberto Martinez is well aware of the player's abilities after he was the chief architect of the Ukrainian club's victory over the Toffees in the knockout stages of last year's Europa League. Talks are rumoured to be at an advanced stage between representatives of the two clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City were both linked with the forward earlier this summer. The Potters went on to sign Xherdan Shaqiri while Spurs have been long-term, long-distance admirers, but little else. The 25-year-old has sparkled in recent years and would be an excellent addition to Martinez's side, which has struggled with depth out on the wings. Yarmolenko has an excellent left foot and while he can play on the left wing, his strength lies in cutting in from the right to shoot with his stronger foot, much like Arjen Robben.
Stats courtesy of transfermarkt
Yarmolenko has one year left on his contract with Kiev, and has indicated that he would not be renewing his agreement. For their part, Dynamo will be looking to cash in on the player before he leaves on a free transfer next season, which is how Everton acquired Tom Cleverley earlier in the summer from Manchester United.
Everton fans are bound to be excited about a possible Yarmolenko signing. Aside from the player being one of the most exciting wingers in the European game, he has also drawn comparisons to another winger, fan-favourite Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who had a scintillating run with the Blues a few years ago. Sarcasm aside though, take a look at this video of the player's 23 goals from last season, he can certainly finish and has other skills that would make a ball possession aficionado like Martinez very happy indeed.