Coutinho set to seal move

Liverpool are today expected to complete the signing of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan, after he was pictured with his new shirt at Melwood yesterday.

The Reds have reportedly agreed on a deal worth £8.5 million for the player, who earlier this week looked as if may be heading to Southampton to join up with Maurico Pochettino, who he worked with at Espanyol last season.

In his time in Spain, Coutinho scored five goals in sixteen appearances, having allready played in Milan and for Vasco Da Gama in his native Brazil, where he began his career. He won his one and only full international cap aged just 18.

Elsewhere in the transfer market Brendon Rodgers is facing stiff competition for two players he has repeatedly been linked with over the past few weeks.

Chelsea have reportedly had a bid of £3.5 million pounds accepted by Birmingham City for England international goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Liverpool had been tipped to secure the services of Butland, who represented Team GB in last summer’s Olympic Games though they have not made an offer.

Meanwhile, Reading have made a bid for Tom Ince of Blackpool, though it is thought to fall short of the £8 million the Tangerines are holding out for.