Liverpool accept Fiorentina's offer for Alberto Aquilani

Liverpool have accepted an offer from Fiorentina for midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the BBC.

The Italian is thought to have left the Reds' pre-season tour squad early to return to Italy, with the Viola rumoured to be close to sealing a deal for the former Roma man.

Aquilani has been with Liverpool for three season after being signed by Rafael Benitez, but only made two appearances under former manager Roy Hodgson, and none under Kenny Dalglish as he went on two season-long loans, first to Juventus and then AC Milan last term.

The 28-year-old cost the Premier League club in the region of £20 million, but if he does leave, it is expected that he will cost a fraction of that price.

However, the player's representative has insisted that he will remain at the club, stating that he will not go "back to the torment of last year," and that "there is no basis for this operation [to Fiorentina]."