Liverpool increase Philippe Coutinho bid to £8m

Reds face competition from Southampton for the Inter Milan playmaker's signature

Philippe Coutinho (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign Inter Milan playmaker Philippe Coutinho with an improved offer of £8m.

Reports suggest Brendan Rodgers has spearheaded negotiations with the Serie A side that have taken place over the last 48 hours and an improved offer has been made as Liverpool look to land the Brazil international during the current transfer window.

Competition for the 20-year-old's signature has emerged in the shape of Southampton, who have reportedly tabled a better offer of £10m. New Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho at Espanyol last season and it is hoped that their relationship could swing the deal in the south coast side's favour.

However, reports suggest Coutinho favours a move to Anfield, and with Inter Milan beset by financial problems, the San Siro based side will find the £8m offer from Liverpool, an improvement on the £6m they tabled last week, difficult to turn down.

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