Liverpool have made an improved offer for Internazionale midfielder Philippe Countinho as manager Brendan Rodgers attempts to further strengthen his attacking options in the current transfer window.

The Italian club rejected Liverpool's initial offer but it seems they are determined to land their man after learning that they may be interest from fellow Premier League side Southampton.

Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho in action for Internazionale [Reuters]

New Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho at Espanyol last season and the Telegraph has reported that they are prepared to meet Inter's asking price of £10million.

Liverpool have now made their own improved offer of £8million which they hope the Serie A side will accept as they believe the Brazilian will not be interested in joining Southampton, a side battling to avoid relegation.

The Telegraph believes that after Liverpool's £6million bid was rejected earlier this week, they offered to pay an extra £2m up front which may well help them as the Italian club are known to have some financial difficulties.

Rodgers has been desperate to add more attacking players to his squad after being forced to rely heavily on the outstanding form of Luis Suarez. Daniel Sturridge arrived earlier this month but it seems another attacking midfielder is high on his wish list.

Coutinho may be just 20-years-old but he has played in the Champions League for Inter and impressed last season while playing in La Liga for Espanyol during his six month loan spell at the club.

Liverpool had been attempting to sign Blackpool's Tom Ince but it seems they have been unable to agree a fee with the Championship club and now Coutinho appears their number one target.

Should the bid be accepted then Liverpool would still have to apply for a work permit as Coutinho has represented Brazil just once back in October 2010.