Liverpool are willing to wait for Shakhtar Donetsk ace Alex Teixeira.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Reds are desperate to sign the 26-year-old Brazilian this month and chief executive Ian Ayre has held protracted talks with Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Liverpool have been told it will cost them a staggering £53m to sign him.

While Anfield chiefs haven't given up on getting a deal done, there's a feeling inside the club that a summer move is far more likely.