Liverpool midfielder saga set to rumble on

The possibility of Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani still being at Anfield next season is back on the table after his loan employers Juventus admitted that they have decided not to offer the amount stipulated in the short-term deal last year, which is believed to be around the £16 million mark.

The Italian playmaker has spent the campaign in Turin having struggled for form and fitness since he arrived at Merseyside in the summer of 2009 as the successor to Xabi Alonso, but many fans were willing to give him more time to settle and hoped that he would get another chance with the Reds.

Kenny Dalglish refused to write off the prospect of him returning when asked last month and that was a wise move as the Bianconeri have refused to pay the fee agreed by the two clubs, despite the 26-year-old's continued involvement in their late push for Champions League qualification.

The Old Lady trail Lazio, who they defeated 1-0 in Rome on Monday night, by four points with three games to go and consequently are [5.1] to secure a top-four finish that has appeared improbable for much of 2011. Their expected failure is the reason they aren't likely to have much to spend though.

Their sporting director Giuseppe Marotta said: "There is a buy-out clause that has to be activated by May 15. We'll try to reach an agreement before the deadline but I can certainly say we will not sign Aquilani for the sum set by Liverpool."

Liverpool meanwhile are in to [2.08] to finish above Tottenham having overtaken them on goal difference following their 3-0 triumph over Newcastle on Sunday. Spurs have a game in hand yet still have to visit Anfield, so the chances of the wager we first suggested at [4.1] delivering is increasing.

Will Dalglish's side finish in fifth? Share your predictions below...

Published: 3 May 2011

• Facebook
• Digg
• Stumbleupon
• Reddit