Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Alexandre Pato on Reds radar; Shakhtar Donetsk want £39m for Alex Teixeira

The latest transfer news and rumours coming out of Anfield

Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato is wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea (Getty Images)

Alexandre Pato remains a transfer target for Liverpool despite reports in Brazil earlier this week that a deal has already been verbally agreed for the Corinthians striker to join Chelsea.

It was claimed on Wednesday that the former AC Milan striker had agreed a move to the Premier League with the Blues, and all that was needed was the player’s signature as well as a completed medical. However, Portuguese news outlet UOL Esporte today quotes Pato’s agent as confirming that no such deal is in place, though he did confirm that both Chelsea and Liverpool are among four clubs interested in the 26-year-old.

"The guys are working on getting an offer, but nothing Corinthians are yet to receive one," Pato’s agent Gilmar Veloz said. "The January market is very limited."

When pushed further on which teams are in for his client, Veloz replied: "Chelsea, Liverpool, Sporting and Benfica. All four have a chance."

Liverpool’s move for Alex Teixeira could be a long way from any resolution though after European football writer Andy Brassell told BBC Radio 5 live that Shakhtar Donetsk value the Brazilian attacking midfielder at £39m.

The Reds made an initial £24.5m bid for the 26-year-old this week in the hope of beating Chelsea to his signature, with the Blues linked with a £30m offer this month. However, Brassell suggests that both clubs will need to up their offers significantly, or hope that Shakhtar are willing to negotiate the fee for the in-form attacking midfielder.

The Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, is being linked with a move for one of his former players in Robert Lewandowski, with the pair working together during their time at Borussia Dortmund. While Lewandowski is enjoying an impressive season with Bayern Munich, it’s believed that he wants to leave the club and seek a new challenge, with Chelsea and Manchester United interested as well as Real Madrid.

But The Telegraph reports that Liverpool are willing to enter the race for the Poland international, but while Klopp may be able to persuade the striker to Anfield instead of their Premier League rivals, the absence of Champions League football could rob them of any chance of landing Lewandowski should they miss out on the top four this season.

One player who will not be heading out of Liverpool – at least until the end of the season – is midfielder Joe Allen after Swansea saw a loan bid for the Wales international rejected.

The Swans hoped to re-sign their former midfielder in the hope of improving their side and avoiding relegation, but Liverpool are fully aware of the demands that are created when competing in the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Capital One Cup, and want to hold on to as many players as possible.