The Italian joined the Anfield club from Roma a year ago to replace Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso but persistent injury problems limited his impact under previous boss Rafael Benitez, who has since been replaced by Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson recently acquired Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen from Juve, but speculation continues to link Javier Mascherano with a move to Spain or Italy.

Aquilani’s exit, therefore, threatens to leave the Reds’ midfield ranks depleted should the Argentina skipper secure his move away with Barcelona and Inter Milan sniffing around.

Former Inter boss Hodgson has seemingly kept one wolf at the door by receiving assurances from his old friend, Inter president Massimo Moratti, that they would not poach any of his stars.

“I spoke to Massimo Moratti on Wednesday about the fact that they are not going to buy any Liverpool players, and (Dirk) Kuyt comes into that category,” Hodgson told liverpoolfc.tv.

“I believe Inter were only interested in two of our players and they are not going to buy them. Moratti said they are not going to do that. Kuyt is not for sale.”