Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled for goals this season but have already begun talks for the £29 million-rated Brazil international who is also interesting the Blues

Liverpool have begun negotiations over a move for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira,Goal can confirm.

The Brazil international has also attracted interest from Chelsea but the Reds are hopeful of stealing a march on their Premier League rivals and have already dispatched a delegation, headed by chief executive Ian Ayre, to Florida to commence talks.

The Ukrainian club value the 26-year-old at £29 million, a fee which Chelsea are understood to be reluctant to pay, although they do remain interested in the player.

Shakhtar are currently in America participating in the Florida Cup, where Teixeira was left out of the squad who played out a 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Wednesday due to injury, according to his coach, Mircea Lucescu. 

Jurgen Klopp has remained guarded about his intentions to strengthen a squad who have struggled for goals this season but, with Teixeira having registered 22 goals in 15 league appearances this season, he would certainly represent a welcome addition. 

The German manager again offered his support to Christian Benteke, who came in for major criticism from former Liverpool striker Michael Owen for his performance against League Two side Exeter City in Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory.
Klopp revealed on Tuesday that Daniel Sturridge, who has not featured since a substitute appearance against Newcastle in early December, is still not ready to make his latest comeback and has fielded Roberto Firmino as his main striker in Liverpool's most recent matches against Arsenal and Manchester United.