Liverpool are continuing talks over a move for Shakhtar Donetsk striker Alex Teixeira, but have been told to raise their initial £24.5million offer in order to secure the Brazilian’s services.
According to reports from reliable Merseyside reporters on Thursday night, the Reds will hold further talks with Teixeira’s employers as they push to strike a deal this month.
The two clubs are said to be way apart in their valuations of the player currently, with the Ukrainian outfit looking to recoup £38million for the striker – a figure Liverpool will have to move closer towards to sign the prolific marksman.
Despite a difference of almost £14million in price, the Reds remain hopeful a deal can be reached in January and will test Shakhtar’s resolve again in the coming days.
The Guardian’s Andy Hunter writes of the situation:
“A Liverpool delegation led by the chief executive, Ian Ayre, met their Ukrainian counterparts this week in Orlando, where Shakhtar are competing in the Florida Cup, having identified the 26-year-old as the player to rejuvenate Jurgen Klopp’s struggling attack.
“Ayre and company returned to Britain on Thursday without a deal but Shakhtar are willing to continue negotiations during this transfer window.”
Hunter adds the Ukrainian league leaders are reluctant to sell this month but the striker, who is currently side-lined with a minor hamstring issue, is keen on a move to the Premier League which could force their arm.
A work-permit for the uncapped Brazilian has been mentioned as a potential stumbling block in any deal.
But Hunter writes obtaining one would be “almost certain” under a new criteria that considers transfer fee, wages and Champions League experience in applicants from outside European Economic area.
Securing Teixeira’s services would represent a real statement of intent from Liverpool.
Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain are all said to have registered interest in the 26-year-old, who has notched 22 goals in just 15 games this season.
The Reds are in desperate need of someone who can guarantee goals, with Christian Benteke failing to impress, and injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi leaving attacking quality in short supply.
Teixeira would certainly provide top-level class and firepower to a Liverpool side who have found the net just three times more this season than the man they’re chasing.
An attacking unit of Teixeira and countrymen Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino could potentially be lethal, and one that would undoubtedly start Klopp’s side firing.
See also: Alex Teixeira – lowdown on Brazilian attacker in Liverpool’s transfer sights
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