Talks rumble on over Alex Teixeira

However, the Reds have been told they will need to increase their initial offer of £24.5million if they are going to secure his services.

Chief executive Ian Ayre has been in America conducting negotiations with the Ukrainian outfit, who value Teixeira at around £38million.

Ayre opened talks in Orlando on Wednesday after watching Shakhtar’s 3-2 defeat to Corinthians in the Florida Cup.

Teixeira sat out that game after pulling up during their winter training camp with a suspected hamstring injury.

He was pictured by Ukrainian TV having an ice pack attached to the back of his right leg but Shakhtar insist the problem is only minor. As a result fears that the injury could scupper the transfer have been allayed.

Teixeira has made no secret of it being his “dream” to play in the Premier League but the major stumbling block remains the fee.

Shakhtar are in no rush to sell having initially stated that the 26-year-old wouldn't go anywhere until the summer.

Teixeira, who has netted 26 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions this season, has been heavily scouted by Liverpool.

Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have also previously registered their interest but the Reds have made their move in a bid to win the race for his signature.

Bolstering Liverpool's firepower has been a priority for Jurgen Klopp during the current window.

The Reds have scored just 25 goals in 22 league games this season with their striker department decimated by injuries.

Danny Ings is out for the season, Divock Origi is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery and Daniel Sturridge remains hampered by a succession of muscle problems.

Teixeira would become the fifth Brazilian on the club's books, joining fellow countrymen Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Leiva, Firmino and Allan Rodrigues de Souza.

Despite not being a full Brazil international, Liverpool believe Teixeira would qualify for a work permit if they can get an agreement in place with Shakhtar.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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