Metalist Kharkiv manager Miron Markevich has urged the club's owner to allow Taison to join Chelsea during this month's transfer window.

The two teams were believed to have reached an agreement that would have seen the Brazilian midfielder move to the Premier League, only for the deal to stall after the Ukrainian club had a change in ownership.

However, Markevich has admitted that he would still like the deal to go through because he only wants players at his disposal that are committed to Kharkiv's cause.

"If he does not play with the soul and heart of Kharkiv, he is not with Metalist and it is better to let him go," Markevich told the London Evening Standard. "Prior to the change of ownership of the club, there was an option for parting with Taison. At the same time, the new owner does not share this position and does not think that we must part with Taison.

"He has a clause in the contract, according to which, if any club will £12.4m or more, we will be forced to sell him.

"If this happens, I would urge the owner to part with Taison. I am sure that I can, for that money, buy two players to replace Taison and it will only strengthen the team."

Taison is believed to be on holiday in his native Brazil while he awaits development.