PHILIPPE COUTINHO will undergo his medical today as Liverpool edge closer to completing the £8.5million signing of the Inter Milan midfielder.

The 20-year-old Brazil international, who arrived on Merseyside yesterday afternoon, will then travel to London with club representatives in the hope of securing a work permit.

Coutinho doesn’t automatically qualify as he only has one cap but Liverpool are confident a permit will be granted.

An answer is expected from the Home Office either later today or tomorrow. If the request is initially turned down then Liverpool will be able to appeal and argue their case at a personal hearing.

Reds officials don’t envisage any problems and Coutinho’s arrival should be officially announced by Liverpool in the next 24 hours.