http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor...who-liverpool-fc-target-alexteixeira-10766895
Here is our profile on the prolific Brazilian.
Who? Alex Teixeira
Age: 26. Born January 6, 1990
Previous clubs: Vasco da Gama
Current club: Shakhtar Donetsk
Nationality: Brazilian
International caps: 0
Value: £29m
Personal: Teixeira grew up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where he saw many families torn apart through trafficking and other criminal activity.
At a young age the Brazilian made the choice to train and play football, rather than join the gangs which ran his neighbourhood, but it did not take long to find a way off the streets.
A nine-year-old Teixeira was signed to Vasco de Gama's famous academy and quickly made a name for himself as one of the most gifted players in the youth set-up.
By the age of 14, the Brazilian had played in almost every position and for nearly every youth team - even making a handful of appearances for the under 18 side.
Teixeira broke into the Vasco de Gama first team in 2008 and two years later guided the club to the Serie B title - putting himself in the shop window for top European clubs at the same time.
Shakhtar signed a 19-year-old Teixeira in 2010 for 6m euros after only 51 appearances and 11 goals for the Brazilian side.
The youngster has gone on to more than pay back the Ukrainian side, scoring 67 times in 146 run-outs for the club he has won five consecutive Ukrainian Premier League titles with.
Strengths: Teixeira is a versatile player who can be used as a striker as well as across the midfield.
An attacking midfielder by trade, the 26-year-old has scored 26 times in 25 games for his side this season, but can also be played in a more withdrawn role.
The uncapped Brazilian is comfortable with both feet and is a strong, pacy dribbler, which could make him a good fit for Klopp's brand of football.
What Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu says:
- “He is the technical leader of my team and should also be the technical leader for Brazil.”
- "If there is an offer that will satisfy both the player and the club, I will fully support his move. I want to see my players perform in the best, top teams in Europe - this means that both my assistants and I have not been working in vain for so many years!"
- "If he was playing in a more competitive league, the transfer would be at the same level as that of Di Maria."