Liverpool and Southampton are locked in a bidding war for Inter’s Brazilian starlet Phillipe Coutinho according to reports in Italy.
It was reported on Thursday that Southampton had bidded €10.2m for the forward but Coutinho is known to prefer Liverpool as a destination.
However, the Reds are reported to have bidded just €9m for Coutinho which was rejected by Inter.
Coutinho is also said to prefer staying at Inter than move to the south coast, leaving Liverpool as his only possible destination unless another club comes in for the player.
Liverpool are said to be refusing to raise their bid above the €9m already reported and this could impact Inter’s move for Corinthians midfielder Paulinho.
Corinthians are reportedly demanding £18m for the player with Inter hoping to raises the funds from Coutinho’s sale.
Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Inter have given both clubs 48 hours to complete any deal for Coutinho.
Source: Gazetta dello Sport
