Liverpool are still optimistic of signing Phillipe Coutinho, despite the Brazilian's preference to stay with Inter Milan.

The Reds reportedly had an £8m bid for the 20-year-old midfielder rejected by the Serie A giants last week.

Amid news of interest from Anfield, Coutinho has revealed that he wishes to stay with Inter for the time being.

However, the San Siro outfit are willing to sell the Brazilian midfielder and Liverpool are poised to go back with a follow-up bid, according to The Guardian.

The Merseyside club have already acquired England international forward Daniel Sturridge in the January window.