The next steps for Leeds United as Chelsea quicky respond to Mykhailo Mudryk offer

Leeds United have not had to wait long to hear back from Chelsea on their offer to sign Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Whites made a formal approach to sign the winger, who has not played competitively since November 2024.

Having served a ban for doping violations, Mudryk was cleared to return to action for Chelsea earlier this summer.

However, despite costing the Blues £88.5million to sign three-and-a-half years ago, it appears the Ukraine international's future lies elsewhere.

Leeds are believed to have made a loan approach for Mudryk, rather than tabling any sort of fee.

And the Blues have given their answer to Leeds already.

Leeds learn outcome of Mykhailo Mudryk bid

Mudryk was one of the hottest talents around when signed by Chelsea, with Arsenal also desperate to get him at the time.

It is fair to say his time at Stamford Bridge has not exactly gone to plan, though, even before his lengthy spell in the stands.

That is not to say he cannot get his career back on track, which is clearly something Daniel Farke believes is possible.

However, The Guardian's Jacob Steinburg reported via X on Friday evening that Chelsea have rejected that loan offer.

Unless Leeds are willing to sign Mudryk permanently, which is surely not going to happen, then it is time to look elsewhere.

If not Mudryk, then who for Leeds?

When links with Mudryk - hailed a "top player" by Roberto De Zerbi in the past - first emerged it seemed very strange.

This is a player who has not played any competitive football for closing in on two years now.

At the same time, with it being a loan, he would have been a relatively cheap option for Farke out wide.

If that is the approach Leeds are going to take for a wide player, then more options may become available as the window nears its conclusion.

But it is a risky game. There is no doubt Farke could do with another attacking player before the window closes.

Rafael Leao would be an unbelievable signing for Leeds and could seriously transform the outlook for the season.

It may well be that the next step is to further pursue that move, with Mudryk now off the cards.

If nothing else, it is encouraging to see Leeds chiefs still making moves behind the scenes to give Farke all the ammunition he needs.