Coutinho makes Liverpool move

Liverpool have confirmed midfielder Philippe Coutinho has moved to Anfield from Inter Milan on a long-term contract.



The 20-year-old becomes Liverpool's second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of striker Daniel Sturridge at the start of the month.



Coutinho said: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.



"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil.



"They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."



Coutinho, who has one cap for Brazil, began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010 - and the player also enjoyed a loan spell at Espanyol.



Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.



"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.



"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."

Milan president, PL is the right place for Coutinho

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes the deal to take Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool will work out well for everyone.



It emerged earlier this week that the Reds were closing in on a move for the winger after agreeing a fee with the Serie A club.



And it appears Inter are already planning for the future without Coutinho after Moratti confirmed that they would look to use the money from his sale to strengthen the squad.



He told Sky Italia: "The deal for Coutinho to Liverpool is an opportunity both for Inter and both for the player.



"We could be happy with the economic proposal and Coutinho could find the space he hasn't here. And then we'll have the opportunity to reinforce the team".



If the deal is completed, Coutinho would become the club's second signing of this transfer window following the £12million capture of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.

Coutinho came through the youth system at Vasco da Gama before joining Inter at the age of 18.



He spent the second half of last season on loan at Espanyol, where he worked with new Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino.



Pochettino's recent appointment at Saints led to speculation linking Coutinho with the South Coast club but it is understand he has expressed a preference for Anfield.




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