Subject to a £24.5million transfer bid from Liverpool earlier this week, Shakhtar Donestk attacker Alex Teixeira has told Brazilian media that he wishes to leave the club.
Teixeira tells Donetsk he wants to go
The Brazilian has not only been linked with a move to Liverpool, who are ready to make an improved bid for the player after their first was reportedly rejected, with Chelsea also interested.
Teixeira has told Brazilian newspaper Globo that he would "like to move in this transfer window" and that he has "told them [Shakhtar] that".
He has also said that "they have received a very good offer and they are working on a solution," most likely referencing Liverpool. His impatience is obvious as he spoke of "leaving in the summer" if he doesn't get his move this time around. He feels that after six years in Ukraine with Shakhtar it is time for a change of scenery and has spoken to his wife and daughter about a possible move.
Liverpool will be on alert
This is major news as regards to Liverpool's chances of snapping up the player. He has now voiced his intentions and one would feel that it is now up to the Reds to up their bid, and claim the player before other European clubs come calling. They won't have it easy however, as Shakhtar are stubborn and could demand up to 38 million pounds to try and hold on to Teixeira until the summer. Will Liverpool be willing to fork out this to try and clinch a deal?
Teixeira aware of Liverpool and Chelsea interest
He added that he has a "desire to move to a big league" and that he knows the Premier League is "very strong". Teixeira sounds like a player who wants to reach his full potential, mentioning that he's "ready" and knows that he'll "grow up a lot there".
There was no direct mention to either Liverpool or Chelsea by the player, possibly a wise move as he looks to keep both fanbases onside ahead of any possible move.
It was widely recognised that Teixeira had a soft spot for the Premier League and it was confirmed today. He described it as "the strongest in the world" and a place where he wanted to further his career.
Teixeira is still uncapped for Brazil at international level and reportedly feels that playing in the Ukranian League is holding him back somewhat. It is easy to understand this and he wants to overcome this challenge because he feels "it is hard to achieve" and leaving Ukraine will allow him to "achieve that goal".
