Reds to bring back Aquilani?

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Juventus have asked Liverpool to substantially lower their asking price for Alberto Aquilani.

The Italy international midfielder has been on loan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino all season, and has performed well enough for the club to want to keep him on, but the €12 million (£10.2m) price tag on his head is now considered too high for his services on a permanent basis.

The trouble is though, that was the figure agreed between the two clubs at the start of the season.

Furthermore, why would the fee decrease when Aquilani has played substantially better this season in Serie A for the Turin club than he did on Merseyside?

However, should a transfer not be agreed with Juve - probably the best run Italian club financially - there is an alternative solution for Alberto Aquilani.

Keep him.

Whisper it, but Liverpool have begun to play some quite good football under Kenny Dalglish.

They don't lump the ball forward from goal kicks anymore. They keep possession, and look to break teams down by drawing players out of position, and though they took a couple of games to get going, it is beginning to come together.

Even Christian Poulsen has shown he is capable of a clever through ball, as his pass for Raul Meireles (who was definitely onside) against Wolves proved.

Liverpool's pursuit of Charlie Adam in January showed they are still in the market for a playmaker, and Aquilani could fit in this Liverpool side more than previous incarnations - and save them some money in the process.

The selling point for Adam though, is that he is left footed, and a greater threat from set pieces.

As Gareth Barry does for Manchester City, he could drift from central midfield to cover the left wing when other players run forward on that side.

Alberto Aquilani is still a fine player, but lost his confidence after his last spell in England.

Is he worth another chance at Liverpool, or should they take whatever Juventus offer them?

Source: Caughtoffside.com

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.