Rodgers lands £8.5m Brazilian

Liverpool: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has finally agreed the transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan, though work permit issues could delay the arrival of the 20-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder.

The Anfield club must pay about £8.5 million (Dh49.36 million) for his services but having played just once for his country Coutinho will not automatically qualify for a work permit to play in England. Liverpool expect to go to a tribunal before being allowed to sign the player. They would be hopeful of winning any case under a clause that makes exceptions for players of outstanding calibre who might “contribute significantly” to the English game.

Coutinho, once billed by Massimo Moratti, Inter’s chairman, as “the future” of the Italian club, was signed from Vasco Da Gama for €4 million (Dh19.78 million) when he was 16 and played for Brazil as an 18-year-old but finished last season on loan at Espanyol. Inter still see Coutinho as having outstanding potential and are only selling because of financial problems. Liverpool made two earlier bids, which were rejected, but after protracted negotiations Liverpool have come to an agreement by raising their initial offer and restructuring their bid so that Inter would receive more money up front. A medical has been scheduled for Monday.

The breakthrough on Coutinho reduces the likelihood of Liverpool signing Tom Ince before the transfer window closes on Thursday. Liverpool remain admirers of their former youth player but have been put off by Blackpool’s £8 million asking price.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could sell star asset Gareth Bale to fund a summer transfer spree. Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, has refused to sanction any fee over £10 million this window, putting top target Leandro Damiao, the Internacional striker, out of reach. Rather than accept a cheaper alternative, Andre Villas-Boas, the manager, wants to delay spending until the close season.