Why Saints want to sign Coutinho (Video)

It's an almost universal theme that when a manager takes over a new club, they're instantaneously linked with players they have worked with in the past. No matter the stature of the team in question or the capability of the performer, the media will take the opportunity to make the connection and it's no shock to see Southampton mooted with a possible move for Inter Milan youngster Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian midfielder has failed to really live up to expectations at the San Siro and, as a result, is believed to be set to leave the Nerazzuri this month after failing to impress head coach Andrea Stramaccioni during his sporadic appearances this season.

While Liverpool were believed to be leading the race to sign the 20-year-old, the south coast club are thought to have made a move for Coutinho due to one main reason – Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine took over at Saints last week following the surprise sacking of fan favourite Nigel Adkins.

Both Pochettino and Coutinho worked together, albeit briefly, during their respective time at Espanyol last season, during which the latter joined on a six month loan for the second half of the season.

While the Serie A side still harbour hopes that the youngster will turn out to be a shrewd piece of business following his arrival from Vasco Da Gama in 2010, the chances of him departing this month have been strengthened somewhat after making just five appearances in the league this year.

Coutinho played his best football during his brief stint in Spain, specifically under Pochettino, and it would be no shock to see Saints move for the Brazilian before the close of the transfer window amidst reports the club made a move for him late on Tuesday night.  

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Comments

[Sidney]

Southampton is getting relegated!They have games against Man U, Man City coming up! I'd rather see Coutihno stay at Inter rather than go to Southhampton.Going from a top team to a team that's getting relegated!Liverpool would be the right team for him, because Bredan loves young talented players and it's a massive club that is on the up!The New Southhampton manager needs to buy a reliable striker! If he buys Coutihno and gets relegated it doesn't make sense. He doesn't know the premierleague.Soon he will get a reality check!Just wait and see what happens.

[Stuart]

The Saints are a better prospect than Liverpool. Just wait and see what happens....

[John]

Cliche after cliche of deluded bilge from yet another dogmatic Liverpool 'fan' on the internet. Do you think it's a coincidence that Ramirez and Forren chose St. Mary's over Anfield? Southampton's facilities are amongst the best in world football. Add to that a consistently prosperous youth academy, and a highly-rated, ambitious young manager and it's no surprise that players are opting to move to a club on the up, rather than Liverpool who are in freefall.