Liverpool and Chelsea swoop for strikers as Newcastle '˜cool interest' in target

And Liverpool and Chelsea are understood to be closing in on frontmen today, according to media reports.

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Shakhtar Donetsk striker Alex Teixeira, 26, claim the Daily Star, although the Liverpool Echo believe there is still a big gap between what the Reds are willing to pay for the Brazilian and his club’s valuation.

Meanwhile, the Mail claims Chelsea have been finalising a deal to bring in forward Alexandre Pato, 26, from Corinthians on loan with a view to a permanent move.

Pato has been linked with a number of clubs this month – including Newcastle, with the Magpies desperate to add to their firepower in a bid to stave off relegation.

They have also been linked heavily with Spurs winger Andros Townsend, but Sky Sports have claimed Newcastle have cooled their interest in the 24-year-old with Tottenham understood to want close to £14m for the England international.

Meanwhile, Fabricio Coloccini has told the Gazette he hopes Newcastle add to their squad before they take on Everton.

And Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he was on a scouting mission in Europe yesterday.

Other transfer headlines today:

Fiorentina midfielder Mario Suarez is considering a move to Watford after the 28-year-old initially rejected a move to Vicarage Road. (Mirror)

Roma have confirmed they are in negotiations with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning over the sale of former Arsenal forward Gervinho, 28. (Guardian)

Atletico Madrid’s France international forward Antoine Griezmann, 24, says he has no desire to leave Spain and join Chelsea in a £75m deal. (Telefoot via Express)

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, 25, is likely to leave the club after Euro 2016. (Bleacher Report)

Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina, 19, who made his debut in the FA Cup win over Norwich, is ready to leave the club on loan to continue his development. (Manchester Evening News)