Alex Teixeira to Liverpool: Forward tells Shakhtar Donetsk he wants to leave

Teixeira has scored 22 goals in 15 league games so far this season

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixieira (Getty Images)

Liverpool and Chelsea target Alex Teixeira has informed Shakhtar Donetsk that he wishes to leave the Ukrainian club this January.

The Reds had a £24.5m rejected last week for the 26-year-old with chief executive Ian Ayre flying out to the United States, where Shakhtar are currently training, to hold negotiations.

Teixeira has scored 22 goals in 15 league games so far this season and is valued by his current club in the region of £35m, but Liverpool are optimistic they can settle on a more reasonable fee. It remains to be seen if Chelsea will cement their interest with an offer of their own.

Speaking to Brazilian newspaper Globo: “I would like to move in this transfer window and have told them [Shakhtar] that. 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. It is my desire to move to a big league and I know that the English league is very strong.

“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.

“I am not ruling out other leagues but I do want to play in the Premier League. In my mind, it is the strongest in the world. I want a challenge and to further my career there.

“My aim is to move to a big club so that I can well there and get a place in the Brazil squad. Everyone knows that it is hard to achieve and I need to leave here to achieve that goal.”