Echo: Coutinho transfer latest

LIVERPOOL FC have agreed a fee of just under 10million Euros (£8.5million) with Inter Milan to sign midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The breakthrough follows a week of lengthy negotiations with the Serie A outfit after the Reds' initial offer of 6million Euros (£5million) was rejected.

Liverpool are confident their application for a work permit for the 20-year-old Brazil international will be granted and he's expected to arrive on Merseyside for a medical early next week.

Southampton, whose new boss Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho during his loan spell at Espanyol last season, were also in the hunt for his signature and had a 12million Euros (£10million) offer accepted.

However, Liverpool's hand was strengthened when Coutinho informed Inter he had no interest in joining Saints and that his heart was set on a move to Anfield.

The Reds' improved bid of 9million Euros (£7.6million) on Wednesday was turned down but further talks over the past 24 hours after reached a successful conclusion.

Blessed with pace and technically gifted, the versatile youngster can play in central midfield, out wide or in the No 10 role as a second striker.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has been keen to add to the £12million signing of striker Daniel Sturridge earlier this month and believes Coutinho fits the bill.

Source: Liverpool Echo