Liverpool confident Philippe Coutinho will sign new five-year contract - and be fit for Southampton game tooTalks progressing well between Michael Edwards and the Brazilian's representatives - and he should be fit for Southampton too
Liverpool are hopeful that Philippe Coutinho will commit his future to the club by putting pen to paper on a lucrative new five-year contract.
Talks between Reds sporting director Michael Edwards and the Brazilian attacker's representatives are progressing well.
There will be no release clause in the deal with Liverpool adamant that won't form part of the negotiations.
Coutinho, who looks set to be passed fit for Wednesday night's EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Southampton, has indicated that he's happy and settled at Liverpool.
Anfield officials have a good relationship with his agent Kia Joorabchian, who also looks after team-mate Lucas Leiva.
If everything goes to plan he will sign a contract over the coming weeks to keep him at Anfield until 2022.Coutinho appeared to be a doubt for the visit of Saints after missing training at Melwood on Monday as the Reds continue to manage his return to action following seven weeks out with ankle ligament damage.
However, the 24-year-old played a full part in Tuesday's session with Jurgen Klopp's squad and as long as he comes through Wednesday morning's final preparations without discomfort he should line up against Claude Puel's side.
Coutinho's current contract which he signed in February 2015 runs until 2020 but the Reds are keen to reward him for the outstanding form he has produced so far this term.
He has blossomed into arguably the club's biggest asset and the new deal will reflect both his importance and influence.
Coutinho, who has scored six goals for the Red so far this season, has been heavily linked with Barcelona, but Liverpool are determined to do everything they can to retain his services.
He has proved a massive hit at Anfield since his £8.5million move from Inter Milan in January 2013 - scoring 34 goals in 163 appearances.
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