Liverpool Reject Set to Finalise Italian Connection

Liverpool cast-off Alberto Aquilani looks set to finally leave Anfield after his agent acknowledged the midfielder was set to sign a permanent deal with AC Milan.

Aquilani, 27, moved to Merseyside as a high-profile £20m replacement for Real Madrid bound-Xabi Alonso in 2009.

However, an ankle injury restricted the former AS Roma star from making his Liverpool debut until October and he started just six Premier League games all season.

Aquilani spent last season on loan at Juventus and has featured 22 times so far for Milan in the current campaign. A clause in his loan contract from Liverpool states that a permanent deal can be agreed, believed to be in the region of £5m, if he makes 25 appearances for the Serie A side.

"As it was agreed, a permanent deal will automatically be struck once he makes 25 appearances," Aquilani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, is quoted in the Daily Mail.

"I do not think that Milan will pass up on Aquilani. There is no problem about this; a permanent deal is something we all expect."

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has implored his teammates to follow the example set by captain Steven Gerrard, as they look to push on in their quest for Champions League football.

A Gerrard-inspired Liverpool side ran out 3-0 winners in Tuesday's clash against Everton and Reina believes the England international sets the perfect example for the club's youngsters.

"For me it is a pleasure to play alongside him," the Spain international is quoted in the Independent. "He is a legend of this club and he is still hungry for titles."

"He is an example on and off the pitch and we have to follow that example because that is what Liverpool is all about."