Aquilani has more than failed to match up to his £17million price tag that brought the midfielder to Anfield.

The Italian was signed with a string of injuries that kept him out of the Liverpool side for some time before being able to make his debut having to wait over 4 months for his first premiership start.

After a slow and disappointing start Liverpool were fast to ship the central Midfielder on loan in hope he would recapture his form. After loans to Juventus and then AC Milan this season Aquilani is set to return to troubled Liverpool alongside returning Joe Cole both who are out of favour at the Merseyside club.

Aquilani who has only made 28 appearances for Liverpool may now return needed more than ever. On arrival the central midfield at Liverpool was flush with talent, such as Xabi Alono, Gerrard and Mascherano, now however, substandard Shelvey and Spearing seem to play and transfer flops Henderson and Adams have also failed to live up to their promise.

It is of no surprise that Kenny Dalglish has been quick to announce that he would welcome the Italian back with open arms should he wish to stay at Liverpool. Milan do have the option to purchase the player for £6million as was part of the Loan agreement, it is likely that ‘The Reds’ will be hoping that the Italians don’t take advantage of this clause.

With some interest from a number of Italian clubs, Liverpool should use this opportunity to introduce the International back into the squad and give him one last chance to prove he is the quality player that he is. If Aquilani is still unable to perform next season then Dalglish should have little problem selling him in January.