Chelsea reject initial Leeds loan bid for Mudryk

Chelsea have rejected an initial season-long loan offer from Leeds United for winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

The opening offer fell well short of Chelsea's expectations, but negotiations are continuing and the Ukraine forward is believed to be keen on a switch to Elland Road.

The 25-year-old has agreed to spend the season away from Stamford Bridge in a bid to rebuild match fitness.

Mudryk had 20 months out of football following a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.

His ban ended in July and the attacker has since taken steps to start rebuilding his career in Chelsea's pre-season tour under new manager Xabi Alonso, making several substitute appearances.

In recent discussions, Mudryk has indicated his preference is to remain in the Premier League despite interest from Strasbourg - Chelsea's sister club under the BlueCo ownership group - and teams in Italy.

Leeds emerged as the frontrunners because they are willing to sign him without a purchase option, allowing Chelsea to retain control of Mudryk's future while covering his salary.

The Whites have signed four players this summer: attacker Harry Wilson from Fulham, centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City and defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Chelsea striker Liam Delap also previously attracted interest from Leeds which has since cooled.

Brentford were also considered a potential destination for Mudryk, but had hoped to secure an option to make the move permanent - which Chelsea rejected.

The Bees attempted to sign Mudryk several months before Chelsea secured his signature from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £61m in 2023 and remain interested in the winger.

Coventry City have also expressed an interest, while a move to Strasbourg remains under consideration. Chelsea are also exploring the possibility of sending other players, including midfielder Dario Essugo, to the French club.

The prospect of Mudryk remaining at Stamford Bridge is considered unlikely, although it has not been completely ruled out.

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