Yevhen Konoplyanka: 5 Premier League Clubs Who Should Target Free-Agent Winger
One of the hottest talents on the upcoming summer free-agent market, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk winger Yevhen Konoplyanka should be a target for most Premier League clubs, and contract negotiations with the player can begin in January.
The 25-year-old is a versatile, pacey wide option capable of conjuring the mouthwatering from the mundane and would hold his own in almost every Premier League side's attacking ranks.
With four goals in 12 Ukrainian Premier League games this season, as well as Europa League experience with Dnipro, Konoplyanka is a maturing talent.
So which Premier League clubs should make Konoplyanka a summer priority?
Here are five clubs who should target the winger, with West Ham United included among the ambitiously developing outfits.
Tottenham Hotspur
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Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be heading the race for Konoplyanka, with Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reporting their interest.
Jones claims that the side "have begun talks" with the winger ahead of a move, even suggesting "Dnipro are reluctant to let him leave for free so will push for a £7 million deal now."
This could be a wise move by Pochettino, whose wide options can be improved on, as Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend have each been linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion by James Nursey of the Mirror.
Konoplyanka's trickery would be an upgrade on either player.
Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli and Konoplyanka supporting lone striker Harry Kane could be a devastating Premier League attack.
Everton
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Next up is currently struggling Everton, who may need to reshuffle their pack this season.
Struggling to coax consistent firepower from his side, manager Roberto Martinez is coming under increasing pressure at Goodison Park, and the announcement of a high-profile signing such as Konoplyanka could relieve the tension.
This may be particularly pertinent, given that the future of star winger Kevin Mirallas is under debate.
The Mirror's Tom Hopkinson suggests "Mirallas is a target for Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp as he looks for a remedy to his side’s woeful first half of the campaign."
If Mirallas leaves in January, Konoplyanka could fill the void; if Mirallas stays, Konoplyanka would complement his talents.
Stoke City
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An interesting prospective new club for Konoplyanka would be Stoke City, who are enjoying something of a stylistic overhaul under manager Mark Hughes.
This season, much of that is due to the summer signing of former Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic, whose cultured talents belie the conception of the Potters being a predominantly physical side.
Bojan is part of an attack that also includes Marko Arnautovic, Mame Biram Diouf and Victor Moses, and with the latter a season-long loan signing, Konoplyanka would slot into this group comfortably.
A move for Konoplyanka would be considered another coup for an ambitious Stoke side.
The step from Dnipro to the Britannia Stadium would be a considerable challenge for Konoplyanka, but as Bojan has shown with his move from the Nou Camp, it can be done.
Swansea City
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Treading steadily in mid-table so far this season, Swansea City have played an attractive brand of football in the Premier League under Garry Monk.
The likes of Jefferson Montero, Nathan Dyer and Gylfi Sigurdsson all contribute to a silky, free-flowing style, but the attack could do with reinforcing.
In light of this month's BBC Sport-reported £28 million sale of Wilfried Bony to Manchester City, the Swans must strengthen their attack, and they have the resources to do so.
Konoplyanka would be the perfect boost for Monk, either in January or on a free in the summer, and his signing would ensure a continued progress under the former Swansea defender.
Perfectly suiting their attacking style, Konoplyanka should be made a transfer priority by Swansea.
West Ham United
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Finally, joining Stoke in the previously derided Premier League forces list, Sam Allardyce's West Ham United could continue their revolution with the signing of Konoplyanka.
The capture of Alex Song on loan from Barcelona confirmed their ambitions this season, and the Hammers have enjoyed a charge on the top four in 2014/15.
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing form an explosive attacking line with striker Andy Carroll, and signing Konoplyanka would boost it even further.
Allardyce has previous experience overseeing a flair-based attacking style with Bolton Wanderers and has managed a plethora of high-profile talents along the way.
Could Konoplyanka be Allardyce's east London Youri Djorkaeff?
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
