Everton target Vitaly Mykolenko has been backed to succeed at Goodison Park by former Ukraine manager Myron Markevych.
The ECHO understands that Mykolenko has been high on the Blues' wishlist for months and that they rate him as one of the leading young left-backs in Europe.
Everton have set their sights on the 22-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window and there have been suggestions this week that the player has already travelled to England to discuss the switch.
While a move for Mykolenko would cast doubt over the future of Lucas Digne, Markevych believes the young Ukrainian international will be a success under Rafa Benitez.
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“By his dedication, his desire to improve, Vitaly Mykolenko deserved such a challenge in his career,” said Markevych, who took on Everton in the UEFA Cup in 2007 when he was in charge of Metalist Kharkiv.
“It’s really a real challenge for the 22-year-old, who has proven with his quality play recently at all levels that he is ready to test his capabilities in the world’s strongest soccer league.
“I had to read the statements of some experts that it’s too early for Mykolenko to go to England. I do not think so, on the contrary, Vitaly urgently need to bid farewell to the UPL championship.
“I have no doubt that thanks to his desire to play through thick and thin, Mykolenko will gain credibility with the local fans and do his best to get Everton out of the relegation zone.”
However, another former Ukraine boss Yozhef Sabo believes Mykolenko 'isn't ready' to move to the Premier League.
He also told Meta Ratings: "The Premier League is a completely different league, another championship, and there is no way to compare it with the Ukrainian Premier League, of course.
"There it is a different football, fast. In England, they are not sitting 10 men in their penalty box. I would not say that England’s championship is rough but pretty tough.
"In my opinion, it is too early for Vitaliy to play in the English championship. He plays well on attack, connects and assists. But this is in the UPL."
