Liverpool bid for Alex Teixeira rejected; West Brom not interested in Mario Balotelli; Ramires set for Chelsea exit

All the latest transfer news and gossip on the morning of Tuesday January 26

(Getty Images)

Liverpool’s latest offer for Shakhtar Donestk forward Alex Teixeira, thought to be in the region of £28m, has been rejected as the Ukrainian side hold out for a considerably higher figure. According to the Daily Mail, the Reds returned with a higher bid after their £24.5m opening offer failed last week.

Jurgen Klopp has previously said he doesn’t want to spend ‘Disneyland money’ on new signings despite the difficult circumstances presented by the January transfer window. The 26-year-old has scored 22 goals in just 15 league games this season, alerting Chelsea to his talents. Liverpool have since stolen a march on their Premier League rivals, however, and have been buoyed by news that Teixeira wants to move to Anfield.

West Bromwich Albion have moved to distance themselves from rumours linking them with a surprise move for Mario Balotelli, report the Express and Star. The combustible 25-year-old is currently on loan with AC Milan, from Liverpool, but has made just four appearances for the San Siro club.

Journalists in Italy seemed to suggest a move to the Hawthorns was on the cards but the Italy striker’s baggage has been known to put clubs off in the past. West Brom are currently 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of trouble, following the disheartening 0-0 draw with bottom club Aston Villa on Saturday.

AC Milan and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli (Getty Images)

Ramires is nearing the exit at Chelsea after Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning had a £25m bid accepted. The 28-year-old has started 15 times this season but has struggled to cement his place in the side under interim boss Guus Hiddink.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea will make a profit on the central midfielder after signing him in 2012 for £19.8m. Curiously, however, the former Benfica man only agreed terms on a new four-year deal in October but things have changed so dramatically the Brazil international feels it is time to move on.

Newcastle United’s hopes of luring Loic Remy to St James’ Park rest solely on Chelsea’s pursuit of Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato, according to the Chronicle. The Frenchman scored 14 goals in 26 appearances with the Magpies during a short loan spell in the 2013/14 season but has played second fiddle to Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge.

Blues manager Hiddink is hesitant about taking Pato to the capital but a deal has been in place for the former AC Milan forward since Jose Mourinho’s spell in charge. Despite previously turning down a permanent return to the North East, Remy is likely to be more open to the prospect this time around with the European Championship on the horizon.