Aquilani linked with Napoli

Napoli could offer Alberto Aquilani an escape route from Liverpool after Juventus pulled out of a deal to sign the midfielder.

Aquilani, 26, has made just 18 appearances for Liverpool and was loaned to Serie A side Juventus for much of last season.

The Turin club were expected to agree a permanent transfer in the off-season, but the departure of Gigi Delneri and arrival of Antonio Conte as head coach has seen the move fall apart.

It now appears Napoli, who earned a route into the Champions League with a third-place finish last season, could be Aquilani’s best chance of remaining in Italy.

“Aquilani to Napoli? I don’t think it would be an easy negotiation but if the will is there why not,” Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia said.

“I have not spoken to (Napoli sporting director Riccardo) Bigon but the player wants to remain in Italy.”

“If something was to come up he would be happy.”

“I have not spoken to Alberto but Napoli is an important club. If Napoli considered Aquilani to be an important player, he would be open to negotiations.”

Aquilani joined Liverpool from boyhood club Roma for a reported fee of 17 million pounds in August 2009.

A succession of injury problems and lack of form saw the Italy international struggle to settle in the English Premier League.

Liverpool completed the transfer of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland earlier this week.

And with the Anfield midfield well-stocked, Aquilani is not believed to feature in the plans of manager Kenny Dalglish.

Serie A champions AC Milan have been touted as one possible destination for the player, but their interest has reportedly cooled.