Mirror: Liverpool poised for improved bid

Liverpool are preparing a second bid, worth £8million, for Inter Milan's Philippe Coutinho - but are unwilling to meet the Italian giants' £10m asking price.

The Anfield outfit remain keen on Coutinho, despite Inter knocking back their opening £6.8m offer on Friday, and talks between the clubs are continuing.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers feels the Brazilian, who can play in midfield or as a second striker, has great potential.

And Liverpool are relaxed about Coutinho's claims in the Italian media that he wants to stay at the San Siro.

They feel the 20-year-old, who has one cap for Brazil, can be persuaded to move - and he has reportedly told a Liverpool player, believed to be his fellow Brazilian Lucas Leiva, that he is interested in a move to Anfield.

"The Liverpool offer?" said Coutinho, ironically signed for Inter by ex-Kop boss Rafa Benitez in 2010. "I'm happy with these offers, because it means I am doing my job well.

"But I think Inter have faith in me and I want to show my value here. I don't feel that I'm on my way out. I hope to stay at Inter."

Rodgers can offer Coutinho more opportunities at Liverpool as he is on the fringes at Inter, playing in just five Serie A games in this campaign.

The former Vasco Da Gama starlet also spent the second half of last season on loan at Spanish side Espanyol, and Inter are prepared to cash in on him.

Source: Daily Mirror