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Everton are willing to meet Andriy Yarmolenko’s 20m Euros release clause as they step up their pursuit of the Ukrainian star.

The Blues have opened talks with Dynamo Kiev over the transfer of the 25-year-old.

Everton are hoping to tie up a deal for Yarmolenko before the September 1 transfer deadline but negotiations with Dynamo are unlikely to be straightforward even if they do trigger the buy-out fee.

Ukrainian clubs are notorious for driving a hard bargain and are likely to demand a large chunk of the money up front.

Yarmolenko, who scored against Everton in the last 16 of the Europa League last season, is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Stoke City were the first side to officially register their interest in the Kiev captain earlier this summer but even though they met his £14.25m release clause, the move failed to get off the ground.

Everton have now entered the race and are confident that they will be able to agree personal terms with Yarmolenko should a deal be struck with Kiev.

But Dynamo’s skipper, who has scored three times in the opening five games of the new Ukrainian Premier League season, will not agitate for a move away from his hometown club.

Everton officials have travelled to Monaco to meet with the Kiev president over the deal.

The ECHO revealed last Sunday that Yarmolenko was on the Blues' radar, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the end of the transfer window.

WATCH: ECHO writer Phil Kirkbride discusses Yarmolenko deal