As speculation continues to swirl around the possible departure of Kevin to Fulham, Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk have reportedly begun the search for a suitable replacement. The Brazilian midfielder is attracting serious interest from the Premier League, with Fulham said to be ready to table an offer exceeding €40 million.

Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas revealed that while a deal is not yet finalised, Shakhtar are already considering backup options — just in case. “Kevin makes Shakhtar look stronger, no doubt about that,” said Burbas. “But for weeks now, there’s been this growing sense that he might join Fulham. Nothing is signed yet, and he definitely won’t be moving this week. If anything, it could be a late-window deal — a real photo finish.”

According to Burbas, Kevin is represented by the Brazilian agency Talent Sports, and the same agency has now offered Shakhtar another client as a potential replacement — Gustavo Nunes, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder currently contracted to Brentford.

Signed from Grêmio roughly a year ago — also in the final days of the summer window — Nunes was viewed as a high-potential talent, reportedly costing Brentford between €10 and €12 million. However, his progress was abruptly halted by a serious injury shortly after his arrival in England.