Report: Liverpool preparing improved offer for Shakhtar wantaway Alex Teixeira
Liverpool is aiming to reach a compromise with Shakhtar Donetsk over its valuation of Brazilian Alex Teixeira, with an improved package set to be offered for the striker.
According to The Guardian's Andy Hunter, the initial bid of €32 million (£24.6 million) wasn't deemed enough by the Ukrainian side, but negotiations continue between the clubs in Orlando, where Shakhtar is preparing for its Florida Cup meeting with Corinthians next Wednesday.
In an interview with Brazilian newspaper Globo, Teixeira revealed his eagerness to depart Shakhtar during the current transfer window, but is willing to wait until the season concludes if a deal is not reached.
"I would like to move in this transfer window and have told them (Shakhtar) that," Teixeira said, as translated by The Guardian. "They have received a very good offer and they are working on a solution. But if I don’t go now then I will leave in the summer. After six years in Europe and with Shakhtar we are ready to move and I have spoken to my wife and daughter."
The Reds' 5-4 victory over Norwich City on Saturday says more about the Canaries' inadequacies at the back than Jurgen Klopp's side's prolificacy up front, and Teixeira has been identified as an ideal addition to tend to Liverpool's usual struggles up front.
After Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool's other striking options of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, and Danny Ings are all in the treatment room - along with creative spark Philippe Coutinho, who is out with a hamstring issue.
Making the switch to England would also fall in line with Teixeira's desire play in the Premier League after revealing that it's his preferred destination to mature as a player.
"It is my desire to move to a big league and I know that the English league is very strong," the 26-year-old added. "I am ready and I know that I will grow up a lot there. I am aware that two big clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea are interested but I haven’t given my word to either of them."
Klopp recently admitted that the spate of injuries at Anfield had "changed everything" with regards to Liverpool's initial plans to not be busy in the January transfer window.
"If we find a solution which fits for both transfer windows, winter and summer, and a player could help us as quickly as possible then of course we would try," he said.
Before the reported increased bid for Teixeira, €32 million would still prove Klopp's biggest outlay as a manager. At £35 million (€46.25 million), Andy Carroll's 2011 transfer from Newcastle United remains Liverpool's record signing.
Following Saturday's win, the Reds return to League Cup duty as they look to protect a 1-0 advantage in the semifinal second leg against Stoke City on Tuesday.