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Andriy Yarmolenko has reportedly told a Ukrainian news outlet that he'd rather transfer to Everton than Barcelona.

The playmaker, who was a summer target for the Toffees, made the incredible claim during an interview with Ukrainian news outlet Futbol, saying he would prefer to place twice a week at Goodison Park than sit on the bench at the Camp Nou.

Asked whether it was better to have a guaranteed place at Everton or be a substitute at Barcelona, he reportedly said: "It is better to play at Everton.

"Of course you can go to Barcelona, make a cool selfie with (Lionel) Messi, put the images on Instagram and get a million likes and be pleased with yourself. But I'm not one of those.

"For me it is important to play matches. If I do not play twice a week, I have nowhere to throw out the emotions and energy. My family will go mad. If I play, the next day I am all calm and smile. If I missed the game and lay in the house, I immediately run into a quarrel."

In a wide ranging interview, Yarmolenko also spoke about Euro 2016 and Dynamo Kiev's chances against Manchester City in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old also admitted he's been learning English - until the recent birth of his second child.

He said: "Until recently, I studied English. But in September, my second son was born and I lost time. But (I plan to) return to the course.

"I am learning a language for themselves, rather than as a preparation for the championship of England. I often go abroad and I want to speak normally."

Everton tried to sign Yarmolenko last summer , but found negotiations with Dynamo Kiev difficult and failed in their pursuit, despite being willing to meet the player’s £14.5m buy-out clause..

However the club have continued to follow the player's progress and held talks with the player's agent back in December .