West Ham have been warned that Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhalo Mudryk will cost well in excess of €100m (£86.3m) if he is to leave the Ukrainian club.
The Hammers have been linked with a potential move to sign the impressive youngster from the Ukrainian side in recent months.
However, they appear to have been outstripped in the transfer race by the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Shakhtar sporting director Carlo Nicolini claims that the winger is an exceptional talent and would cost more than the figure United paid to sign Antony from Ajax in the summer – which is £86.3m.
That would surely rule the Irons out of any transfer race, but Mudryk has been hugely impressive thus far this season.
He is only 21 but has scored three goals and laid on five assists in six league games this season, while also scoring three and laying on two assists in the Champions League.
Speaking to Calciomercato, as quoted by the Mirror, Nicolini sent a brutal transfer warning.
He said: “Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer. We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m.
“We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to make phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic. But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”