Liverpool are unlikely to sign Alex Teixeira today as Shakhtar Donetsk remain unwilling to negotiate their asking price, according to reports.

The Ukrainian Premier League leaders have told the 26-year-old’s suitors that they must meet his £53million release clause before a deal can be completed.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre, who has had two bids for the player rejected, remains reluctant to meet Shakhtar’s valuation and a summer move is now more likely.

According to Sky Sports, Shakhtar have proved difficult to deal with and remained insistent that their player would not leave for less than their asking price throughout.

The club are keen to retain Teixeira’s services for the remainder of the 2015-16 season, as they fight to regain their domestic league title from rivals Dynamo Kiev.

The Brazilian, who has scored an impressive 26 goals in 25 appearances this term, publicly stated that he wants to join Liverpool and that he would be proud to wear the club’s shirt last week.

“It is a huge club. So many great players have passed through there. It would be an honour to defend the Liverpool shirt,” he told Anfield HQ.

“There has only been one offer, €32m (£24.5m), and Shakhtar rejected it. I know my agent is still attempting everything possible to help me get to Liverpool.

“The team received one official offer from Liverpool. It was rejected. I don't know why. It was a great offer. It is frustrating but the manager and the club president decided against it. So now I am just waiting and trying to be patient.”

However, unless either party has a major change of heart, he will remain at the Donbass Arena for the rest of the campaign.

Source: Independent

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