Wednesday, 23rd January, 2013
English Premier League side Southampton are preparing a bid of €12M for Inter midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to Sky Sport.
The 20-year-old is attracting much attention as the January transfer window approaches its final phase, with another English club, in the shape of Liverpool, also interested in the Brazilian.
Liverpool have had a bid rejected for Coutinho already this month, but are thought to be preparing an improved offer themselves, which may have already landed at the Nerazzurri.
Aston Villa also made a move for Coutinho, but saw Inter turn down their offer.
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Now Southampton look to be firmly in the race, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino having worked with Coutinho at Espanyol last season.
Coutinho spent the second half of the campaign on loan at the Spanish club and produced a series of sensational performances.
Pochettino is determined not to be left out of the race for the promising midfielder.
Southampton have already beaten Liverpool to one player in the current window, with Norwegian defender Vegard Forren landing at the club ahead of Anfield.
Winning the race for Coutinho would be a bigger coup however.
Inter continue to rate Coutinho highly and are not expected to easily consent to his sale.
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