Despite only just completing his first season in the red shirt of Liverpool, Alberto Aquilani has never been short of speculation surrounding him about a move back to Italy.
Napoli are the latest side to be linked with a loan move for the player, who has taken time to overcome the ankle injury he arrived with as well as suffering from a number of viruses once his fitness had returned. With former manager Rafa Benitez not playing the Italian with any consistency until the latter part of last season, he has never been provided with the opportunity to truly show the Liverpool fans what he is capable of.
The start to this campaign has shown the creative midfielder feature in parts and with a full pre-season behind him, he is keen to feature in Roy Hodgson’s plans for 2010/11 as has been confirmed in comment by his agent Franco Zavaglia as he told CalcioNapoli24.it.
“Aquilani to Napoli? That rumour is totally unfounded,” Franco Zavaglia commented.
“Every now and then someone dreams. It’s fine to dream, but this is not an option that can be explored.”
“Aquilani is a Liverpool player, he is admired by the new manager Roy Hodgson and will remain in England. This will be his breakthrough year in the Premier League.”
“I also rule out another rumour of his potential return to Roma.” he was quick to add to prevent further speculation concerning Aquilani’s former club.
With Aquilani seemingly set on a future at Anfield, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has also moved to dismiss recent speculation reports that last season’s Europa League semi-finalists Wolfsburg have made an offer for Dutch international Ryan Babel.
Birmingham City are long term admirers of the forward player and have shown interest in signing the player since the last transfer window, where an offer in the region of £8m was rejected by Liverpool. Wolfsburg have also had their name added to that list of speculation over the last couple of days but Roy Hodgson was happy to clear up the situation concerning Liverpool’s intentions for the player and any bids made for him.
“No, there’s none there,” said Hodgson of the supposed bid. “I’m afraid we’re in the realm of speculation.”
“You know better than I how many stories you’re getting every day, and many of them are unfounded and many are attempts from people to get their players in the spotlight.”
“We’ve had no written or formal offers for Ryan Babel and he’s a player who I’m expecting to play for us.”