Alberto Aquilani
Aquilani joined Liverpool in 2009. REUTERS

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani looks set to stay at Anfield next season after his proposed move to Fiorentina fell through.

The two clubs had discussed a loan move for the 27-year-old but the deal has fallen through after the player expressed his desire for a permanent switch, according to Sky Sports News.

The Italian international has struggled with injury since his £20m move to Anfield in 2009 and spent last season on loan at Juventus.

But the player's agent, Franco Zavaglia, remains confident an agreement can be reached.

"As Alberto doesn't yet fall in the plans of Liverpool, we want to find a solution so that next year the current situation will not recur," Zavaglia, told Sportitalia. "The player wants to come to Italy on a permanent transfer.

"I met [Fiorentina's sporting director, Pantaleo] Corvino, and the club must think about it. It's a difficult deal but let's see.

"There is a 50% chance that my client will transfer to Florence. Last year, in August, there was 'magic' [Aquilani's loan deal to Juventus], let's see if this year will be the same. There is still time."

Only last week, club owner John Henry hinted Aquilani had a future on Merseyside.

After the friendly against a Malaysia XI, Henry tweeted: "One missing link last year - Acquilani" [sic].

The news will frustrate manager Kenny Dalglish as he looks to offload fringe squad players ahead of the new season.

The Scot has been linked with a move for Bolton defender Gary Cahill as he looks to bolster the club's defensive options.

The England international has been strongly linked with Arsenal and Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted he will not prevent Cahill from leaving the Reebok Stadium, should a big-money offer arrive.

"I think it is well know the belief I have in Gary Cahill, the quality he has, but that's the nature of football.

"It only takes a phone call for it to all change but I have said to him he is a Bolton Wanderers player, he is paid by Bolton Wanderers and he has to make sure he is focused to do the job until something was to change.

"He is such an outstanding player that we are very fortunate to have him. I know there is interst from other clubs, nothing concrete in terms of offers, but all these elite clubs know he is an outstanding player so we will have to wait and see what happens with that."

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson says he is not daunted by the challenge of justifying his £16m price tag.

"Liverpool are a massive club and I'm grateful to be part of it," he is quoted in the Daily Mail.

"It probably hasn't sunk in properly yet, but I'll keep working hard, keep doing the things I was doing at Sunderland and hopefully I can improve."

"There are big expectations and demands but that comes with football. You're going to get that wherever you go and it's about how you deal with it.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'll just keep working as hard as I possibly can and hopefully I can put some good performances in for Liverpool."