REPORTS in Italy have again linked Saints with a move for Inter Milan playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

It has been suggested that the club are considering a bid of about £10m for the 20-year-old Brazilian.

Saints have been regularly linked with the attacking midfielder during the January transfer window.

Those rumours are now increasing after the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as manager at St Mary’s.

Pochettino knows Coutinho well, having had him on loan at Espanyol during the second half of the 2011/12 season.

However, it is Liverpool who have so far been closest to prising him away from the San Siro.

The Reds have been in discussions with Inter over a possible move for the player this month.

Although they have had an £8m offer turned down, it has been suggested that they would be willing to return with an improved bid.

Coutinho’s agent was also quoted as saying earlier this month that Saints’ relegation rivals, Aston Villa, had made an enquiry about the player.

The youngster, who has been capped once by his country, has shown no great desire to leave Inter, though.

Coutinho, who has started just three Serie A games so far this season, has stated that he is keen to remain in Italy and to fight for his place in the side.

However, a strong offer from England could potentially persuade him to move.