Metro: Liverpool close in on Inter ace

Liverpool look poised to snap up Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho after the Italian side agreed to sell the young Brazilian for an increased fee.

The Reds have tabled an improved £8million offer for the 20-year-old and are confident a deal can be struck after the Serie A giants rejected an initial £5m bid.

Coutinho, who has already appeared for the senior Brazil team and can play in an advanced creative role or as a second striker, is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is eager to bring in more talent to Merseyside and the capture of Coutinho would help make up for missing out on his Inter team-mate Wesley Sneijder, who has agreed to join Turkish side Galatasaray after his wage demands were deemed too high for Anfield.

Liverpool have already brought in Daniel Sturridge - who has hit the ground running with three goals in as many games after his £12m switch from Chelsea - and Rodgers still hasn't ruled out another attempt at luring Blackpool winger Tom Ince.

Source: Metro