Philippe Coutinho to ink long-term Liverpool deal

Liverpool are set to ward off interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain by offering a fresh five-year deal to midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazil international has begun talks over a contract extension at Anfield despite having more than three years on his previous contract.

According to The Liverpool Echo, the Reds' hierarchy are confident of resolving the player's situation in the coming days after they offered a contract until 2022 on an improved wage package.

Both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with interest in the talented playmaker, but the latest contract will have no minimum release clause, thereby allowing the Reds to turn down any future bids for their player.

Coutinho has recently recovered from a lengthy injury layoff, and his influence in the coming weeks will be crucial to Liverpool's quest for the Premier League title.