Liverpool target Coutinho hopeful of Inter stay

22/01/2013 9:25:00 AM

The 20-year-old is the subject of interest from the Reds, whose pursuit of Wesley Sneijder came to naught, but would rather focus on his career with the Nerazzurri

Liverpool target Philippe Coutinho has outlined his preference to stay at Inter.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been the subject of interest from the Reds, whose hopes of signing his now-former San Siro team-mate, Wesley Sneijder, were dashed when the Dutchman opted to join Galatasaray.

Reports had linked Brendan Rodgers's side with an £8 million bid for the starlet that was rejected by the Nerazzurri.

"I don't feel that I'm on my way out," Coutinho told Sky Sport 24.

"I hope to stay at Inter. I feel the coach and the club trust me.

"Now I'm focused only on doing my best in my job and getting back on the field soon."

The youngster has made only five appearances in Serie A for Andrea Stramaccioni's side in 2012-13 but impressed during a short-term loan at Espanyol in Spain last season.

If he were to join the Reds, Coutinho would become the Premier League club's second signing of the January transfer window after the capture of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
Dortmund better off in final without Gotze
Sham Majid believes Borussia Dortmund will benefit - rather than be hurt - by the absence of Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze in Saturday's Champions League
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
The top-30 EAFF clubs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goal Asia will list its top-30 EAFF clubs, featuring the heavyweights of Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. This time, it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima who are the focus

Goal.com