Alex Teixeira to Liverpool: Shakhtar Donetsk want £39million for in-demand forward, Chelsea also in the hunt

The club's chief executive Ian Ayre is currently in Florida to hold talks with the Ukranian Premier League side

Shakhtar Donetesk forward Alex Teixeira (Getty Images)

Shakhtar Donetsk value forward Alex Teixeira at almost £40million and could encourage a bidding war between his Premier League suitors, according to European football writer Andy Brassell.

Liverpool have made a £24.6million offer for the Brazilian, who has scored 67 goals in 146 league games across five years at the Donbass Arena and is also being monitored by Chelsea.

However, it is believed that the Ukrainian Premier League side are eager to get as much as they can for their prolific frontman and are seeking around £39million.

“That’s what they would like,” Brassell told BBC Radio Five Live.

“I can understand why the interest in him is ramping up. Shakhtar, ideally, would like to keep him until the end of the season.”

“It’s very important to them to win back their Ukranian Premier League title this season and it’s going to be a close race between them and Dynamo Kiev, but there’s an awareness of how much money is in the Premier League at the moment.

“This is the first January window post the new TV deal, so they’re thinking this a guy at his absolute peak, just turned 26, and the very best clubs in England want him, with Chelsea having a sniff as well.

“I think there’s a sense of maybe they can get an auction and get exactly what they want for him,” he added.

Liverpool’s chief executive Ian Ayre is currently in Florida, where the Ukrainian club are preparing for a friendly tournament, and is hopeful of concluding a deal before the transfer window closes.