Football in brief: Nick Blackman | Coutinho

Blackman has impressed for the Blades since he moved from Aberdeen last summer, scoring 14 goals for the npower League One club. Crystal Palace lodged a bid for the 23-year-old last week but the lure of Barclays Premier League football means the striker, who also played for Motherwell, has opted to join the Royals instead.

Coutinho heading to Anfield for £8.5m

Liverpool have completed the £8.5 million signing of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has signed a “long-term deal” after completing his medical and acquiring a work permit. Coutinho, an attacking midfielder, has appeared once for his country over two years ago but has played internationally from under-17 level.

Meanwhile, Everton’s bid to sign FC Twente star Leroy Fer fell through following a medical.

Spurs fined £8,600 over crowd trouble

Tottenham have been fined £8,600 by Uefa over crowd disturbances during their Europa League match against Lazio in Rome on 22 November.

Lazio have been fined a total of £120,000 and handed a suspended ban which could see them play a future home European match behind closed doors for the behaviour of their fans – including racist chanting – in the same match and in another fixture against Maribor.

Brady to call time on Arsenal career

Arsenal great Liam Brady is set to leave his role at the club’s youth academy in May 2014.

The 56-year-old, who made more than 200 appearances for the Gunners between 1973 and 1980 and also had spells in management with Celtic and Brighton, took over as Arsenal’s head of youth development and academy director in 1996, bringing through the likes of Jack Wilshere.

Football in brief: Nick Blackman | Coutinho | Liam Brady