Alex Teixeira cost too much for Liverpool, says Shakhtar Donetsk chief

Alex Teixeira said it was 'frustrating' to have missed out on a move to Liverpool

Liverpool were unwilling to pay the £53m for Alex Teixeira set by Shakhtar Donetsk, says the chief of the Ukrainian club.

The Reds opened negotiations with Shakhtar last week after chief executive Ian Ayre flew out to their winter training camp in Florida.

After a £24m offer was declined, talks continued - but the two parties are so far apart in their valuation of the 26-year-old Brazilian that it now seems unlikely there will be any deal done before the transfer window closes.

Shakhtar's chief executive Sergei Palkin told Ukrainian TV channel Football 1: "Liverpool stopped after an offer of £24m and a £3m bonus.

"We obviously refused to accept it. This is the last number that was announced. Our position is that we do not want to sell Teixeira today.

"We will sell him only at the end of the season. We need to have some good results in the Europa League and the Ukraine championship.

"At the end of the season, we will sit down at the negotiating table. Teixeira has a compensation charge in his contract - the price is £53m.

"Please, if someone wants him - let them come and declare themselves."

Teixeira revealed this week he was disappointed the transfer had not been completed and told US broadcaster NBC Sports: "It was a great offer. It is frustrating.

Teixeira has scored 10 goals for Shakhtar Donetsk this season

"But the manager and the club president decided against it. So now I am just waiting, trying to be patient.

"Liverpool is a huge club. So many great players have passed through there. It would be an honour to defend the Liverpool shirt."

Liverpool have been keen to add more attacking prowess to their squad, with Christian Benteke their only available striker in the absence of the injured Danny Ings, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge.

Teixeira has scored 10 goals in the first part of Shakhtar's season, with the club currently undergoing winter-break training in the US.