Liverpool almost signed shock player instead of Philippe Coutinho and it would've changed modern football history

Liverpool almost signed a shock player instead of Philippe Coutinho.

In January 2013, Liverpool signed Coutinho from Inter for £8.5million. The Brazilian enjoyed five successful seasons at Anfield before becoming the then-second most expensive player in the world by securing a £146million move to Barcelona.

That transfer fee helped the Reds sign Alisson Becker from Roma and Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, two players that would go on to help the club to Champions League and Premier League glory.

However, in his new book, ‘How to Win the Premier League: The Inside Story of Football’s Data Revolution,’ Liverpool's former head of research Ian Graham has claimed Liverpool signed Coutinho after failing to bring in Tom Ince.

Ince made one senior appearance for Liverpool, before turning down a new deal at Anfield and heading to Blackpool in 2011.

But after impressing at Bloomfield Road, scoring 33 goals and providing 30 assists in 113 games, Liverpool were keen to re-sign the winger.

The Reds were said to be interested in Ince after his 12 goal contributions in the first seven games of the 2012/13 campaign.

Ince currently plays for Watford in the Championship (Getty)

The move ultimately failed to materialise, while months later Ince is said to have turned down the opportunity to follow in his father, Paul's footsteps and join Internazionale, with the Guardian the claiming he would prefer to move to a club in the Premier League.

Ince ultimately left Blackpool for Crystal Palace on loan a year after Liverpool’s interest, but failed to impress at Selhurst Park.

The attacker then signed for Hull City on a permanent deal at the end of his contract with the Seasiders. The 32-year-old has since spent time with the likes of Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Stoke City and Reading.

He currently plays for Watford in the Championship.