Aquilani is welcome at Anfield: Dalglish

Italian international midfielder Alberto Aquilani is welcome back at Anfield, according to Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.

The Italian international has spent the season on loan in the Serie A with Juventus, who are keen to make the move permanent.

But Juve have refused to pay the 14 million pound transfer fee for the 26-year-old that they negotiated with the Reds last August.

“When people talk about next season, I’m surprised they don’t give Alberto a mention,” Dalglish told the Liverpool Echo.

“Everyone seems to have forgotten about him.”

“I know he has done really well at Juventus this season.”

“When the loan finishes at the end of the season, he reverts back to being a Liverpool player.”

“Nothing is cast in stone and he could be coming back to play for Liverpool.”

“He could be a valuable asset here next season. He’s still our player.”

Aquilani was bought by Rafa Benitez from Roma for 17.1 million pounds in August 2009 as a replacement for Xabi Alonso and signed a five-year deal.

However, a serious ankle injury meant it was late October before he played.

Fitness problems limited him to 13 starts and 13 substitute appearances.

Dalglish has been impressed by the form Aquilani has shown in 29 league appearances for Juve this season, which have earned him a recall to the Italy side.

“He certainly didn’t have the best of luck last season,” Dalglish added.

“At times he did really well and at other times he didn’t do quite so well but you can say that about most players. What I do know is that he’s had a fantastic season at Juventus.”

Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen are keen on snapping up Reds midfielder Christian Poulsen this summer.

The 31-year-old, who was signed by Roy Hodgson for 4.5 million pounds from Juventus last August, has made just nine league starts for the Reds.