Alberto Aquilani

Despite the insistence of the player’s agent that he is staying at Liverpool , Juventus are said to be launching a bid to sign Alberto Aquilani .

26 year-old Aquilani had a difficult first season at Anfield and was hampered by injury.  Although he began to find his form towards the end of the season, rumours have persisted that Aquilani has not settled in England with the player linked to various Italian clubs. Now Italian daily Corriere dello Sport report that Juventus are top of the list for his signature.

Yesterday, Aquilani’s agent, Franco Zavaglia said, "Aquilani is a Liverpool player and will remain in England.

"He's respected by new coach Roy Hodgson, and this will be his year of consecration in the Premier League.”

However, that now appears to be wishful thinking with Hodgson himself leaving Aquilani out of the side for last night’s Europa League clash and explaining that it would be beneficial for the player to move on loan to Italy.

Anfield boss Hodgson said, "I didn't want to use him tonight in case the loan goes through because for Aquilani it's very important this year that he plays regular football, every week as the number one man on the team sheet.

"I can't promise him that here so if a loan move to Italy could help him in that respect it might be good for all parties. It would certainly be what he needs, it would certainly protect the value of the player and when he does return to Liverpool no doubt we will see the Aquilani that we signed before he came here injured last year."

This morning, Corriere dello Sport fuelled speculation a possible return to Italy for the midfielder by claiming that Juventus are making a “sudden move” for Aquilani.