Chelsea has rejected an initial season-long loan offer from Leeds United for winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The opening bid fell short of Chelsea's expectations, but negotiations continue as the Ukraine forward is keen on a switch to Elland Road.

The 25-year-old aims to rebuild his match fitness after spending 20 months out of football due to a positive test for the banned substance meldonium. His ban ended in July, and Mudryk has been working to revive his career during Chelsea's pre-season tour under new manager Xabi Alonso, where he made several substitute appearances.

Recent discussions revealed Mudryk's preference to stay in the Premier League, despite interest from Strasbourg—Chelsea's sister club under the BlueCo ownership group—and teams in Italy. Leeds has emerged as a frontrunner because they are willing to sign him without a purchase option, allowing Chelsea to retain control while covering Mudryk's salary.

This summer, Leeds has already signed four players:

• Attacker Harry Wilson from Fulham
• Centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo
• Goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City
• Defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach

Brentford had also shown interest in Mudryk but sought a permanent option, which Chelsea rejected. They attempted to sign him months before Chelsea secured him from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £61m in 2023. Coventry City has expressed interest, and a move to Strasbourg remains a possibility. While the chance of Mudryk staying at Stamford Bridge is unlikely, it has not been entirely ruled out.