Andrea Stramaccioni admits Philippe Coutinho will be sold to raise funds for Paulinho. “Painful sales can bring in important players who will improve Inter.”

There are numerous reports that Liverpool have raised their offer to match the €15m asking price for Coutinho, around £12m.

A deal is imminent for the 20-year-old Brazilian, so the money could be reinvested in taking Paulinho from Corinthians for €20m.

“I met President Massimo Moratti yesterday and we have the same objectives,” said Coach Stramaccioni in his Press conference.

“The target is to improve the squad. I don’t need players coming in to make up the numbers. If someone arrives, he has to be of a superior level.

“At the same time, any painful sales are linked to bringing in important players who will improve Inter. That is how the President and I see it.

“Coutinho and Ricky Alvarez? I dubbed them painful losses because these are players who started the project with us and that is also true of Wesley Sneijder. It is always painful to lose players I work with.

“I could let go of a player as long as another will arrive who can help the squad. Paulinho? I won’t comment on names until the window closes.”

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