Telegraph: Coutinho talks continue

Brendan Rodgers has stepped up his attempts to sign Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho after tabling an improved bid of £8 million.

Rodgers has increased his offer for the Brazil international after further negotiations with Inter over the past 48 hours and remains confident of striking a deal despite competition from Southampton.

Liverpool's latest bid is expected to be their last and they are not prepared to enter into a bidding war with Southampton, who have offered £10 million. Mauricio Pochettino, the new Southampton manager, worked with Coutinho at Espanyol last season and his club have agreed to meet Inter's asking price for the 20-year-old.

But it is believed Coutinho is not interested in a move to St Mary's and Liverpool hope to agree a deal before the weekend. Liverpool's initial £6million bid was rejected late last week but they have restructured their latest offer and agreed to pay an extra £2million up front.

Inter have been beset by financial problems and could find the promise of £8 million difficult to turn down. Coutinho will require a work permit to seal a move to the Premier League and this week's haggling means it is now unlikely he will make his debut against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Earlier this week he had appeared to distance himself from a move to Anfield by insisting he wanted to stay and fight for his place but Liverpool remain hopeful of completing their second signing of this transfer window.

Liverpool have already signed Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea this month in a £12 million deal and are interested in Blackpool's Thomas Ince, though not at the Championship club's asking price. 

Source: Telegraph