Liverpool braced for £40m bid for Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are reportedly bracing themselves ahead of the January transfer window as Paris Saint-Germain step up their interest in Brazil international star Philippe Coutinho, according to the Express.

The Premier League side, who host Stoke City at Anfield on Tuesday evening (17:15), are expected to receive interest in their midfield maestro from the Ligue 1 champions during the New Year market.

The 24-year-old, who has 26 international caps for his country, has scored six goals and provided six assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for The Reds so far this season.

Coutinho, who is still recovering from ankle ligament damage, arrived at Anfield back in January 2013 following his £8.5m move from Serie A outfit Inter Milan.

The report suggests that Unai Emery’s PSG are preparing a £40m raid for the Brazilian ace next month, having failed with a £22m offer last summer, with fellow European giants FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich also said to be interested in his services.