ESPN: Reds close to Coutinho deal

Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho could be a Liverpool player as early as Monday, according to reports in the Italian media, with Reds manager Brendan Rodgers confirming the club still has unfinished business in the January transfer window.

Coutinho, 20, has been a target for the Reds throughout the January transfer window and, despite insisting he is happy in the Serie A, looks likely to move to the Premier League in the next week.

Liverpool have had two bids for the Brazilian rejected and reports across Britain suggest the Anfield club have refused to go above their original £8m offer, while Southampton are believed to have met the Nerazzurri's €13 million (£10.2m) asking price for Coutinho.

But Sky Italia believe that Liverpool - the player's preferred destination should he move to England - have matched that sum in their final attempt to convince Inter to sell the former Vasco de Gama star.

Source: ESPN