Express: Reds get boost over striker

Liverpool and Arsenal have been handed a late boost in their pursuit of Luiz Adriano after Shakhtar's CEO revealed negotiations with Roma have stalled.

Roma are favourites to land Brazilian Adriano, 27, but have seen their initial £7.5m rejected by the Ukrainian club.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are considering late bids for the striker, who scored nine goals in the Champions League group stage this season.

And CEO Sergei Palkin has told Ukrainian site Sport Express that Roma are still a long way off signing their man - as are Chelsea in their pursuit of Douglas Costa.

"We are in negotiations," he said. "But until now, neither of these clubs [Roma and Chelsea] have made a satisfactory offer, so naturally we're not going any further.

"These are the only clubs we're negotiating with. Usually these transfers are concluded on the last day of the window [February 2], unless the negotiating parties come to a compromise.

"He [Luiz Adriano] said he was happy at the Hirnyky [miners, Shakhtar's nickname], and doesn't want to leave.

"If we reach an agreement with Roma, he can leave the club, if not he'll be happy to stay.

"I think it's probable we'll have the same squad [after the window], I'm close to 100 per cent sure."

Source: Daily Express