Liverpool target Philippe Coutinho happy at Inter Milan

Liverpool target Philippe Coutinho has stated that he wants to stay and fight for his place at Inter Milan rather than make the move to Merseyside. 

Coutinho, 20, has been attracting interest from the Reds, with the Anfield club tabling an initial bid of around £5 million for the Brazilian, which was rejected, and planning an improved £8 million offer to tempt the Italians to part with the talented youngster.

But the former Vasco da Gama man, who spent time on loan at Espanyol last season, has claimed that he wants to stay at the San Siro and fight for his place in the first-team, with the midfielder stating that he believes that manager Andrea Stramaccioni has faith in the younger players at the club.

"The Liverpool offer? I'm happy with these offers because it means I am doing my job well," he told Sky Italia.

"But I think Inter have faith in me and I want to show my value here. I don't feel that I'm on my way out. I hope to stay at Inter.

"The young players feel the faith of the coach and of the club; me, Juan Jesus, Benassi, Bessa and the others."

Liverpool’s move for Coutinho stepped up after the club became frustrated with Blackpool’s hierarchy, who refused to answer phone calls from the Reds with the two clubs at odds over a transfer fee for Tom Ince, with the Seasiders wanting £7 million for the midfielder.