Liverpool transfer rumours: is this exciting player the Reds’ next big signing?

Liverpool will have to push harder if they want to complete their next signing in the January transfer window. Reports in Italy claim the Reds have had a bid rejected by Inter for Brazilian attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, so will they improve their offer to test Inter's hand? talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more...

Name: Philippe Coutinho
Date of birth: 12 June, 1992
Birthplace: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Internazionale
International appearances: 1 (Brazil)
Honours: Coppa Italia (2010/11), Supercoppa Italiana (2010), Club World Cup (2010)

What's the latest?
Coutinho has failed to tie down a steady first team place at Inter despite a bright loan spell with Espanyol last year, and reports claim that Liverpool are prepared to offer him a new lease of life. The Italian media say that Inter have refused an initial £8m offer from the Reds, but negotiations will continue over the coming weeks. Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg are also said to be keen.

Did you know?

1) Coutinho is a product of Brazilan club Vasco da Gama's academy, spending 10 years in their youth ranks before making his debut in 2009. He had already caught the attention of Inter Milan in 2008 before he was a professional, with the Italian side paying his club €4m for his signature that year, though he remained in Brazil until 2010 on loan.

2) In the first half of 2009 Coutinho made his senior Vasco da Gama debut, playing 12 matches in Brazil's Serie B and helping the side to gain promotion to the first division. His loan deal at the club expired in June 2010 and he was presented as an Inter player on 19 July that year, making his debut with the Nerazzurri in their 2010 European Super Cup match against Atletico Madrid. Coutinho had a bright first season with Inter during a turmoil-filled campaign for the Italian side, after Rafael Benitez was relieved of his managerial duties in December.

3) After making 20 appearances for Inter in 2010/11, the following season proved difficult for Coutinho, with injury hampering his playing time. As a result, he was sent on loan to Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol in January 2012 in what proved to be a bright spell for the playmaker. Coutinho made 16 appearances and scored five goals for Espanyol, and was hailed as one of the revelations of the season in Spain.

4) After returning to Inter for the 2012/13 season, Coutinho scored his first European goal for the Nerazzurri against Hajduk Split in the Europa League in August. A strong start to the current Serie A campaign has been hampered by injuries, however, with the player returning to Brazil in late December in order to recover.

5) Coutinho has a strong international pedigree, winning the 2009 U17 Football Championship with Brazil. The attacker scored three goals in five appearances during a solid tournament display with his country. He then went on to win the U20 World Cup with Brazil in 2011, adding a further youth trophy to his name. The Brazilian had already graduated to the senior side on 7 October 2010, in a 3-0 friendly victory over Iran.

He says
“I started the season well, but injury slowed me. I have to work harder. My future will be with Inter, I'm fine here, I'm happy. I want to grow and become a champion here.” Coutinho speaking about his Inter future in December 2012.

Video evidence

Liverpool fans, would you like to see Coutinho at Anfield? Let us know below...