Liverpool midfielder close to AC Milan switch

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is close to completing a permanent move to loan side AC Milan, according to the player’s agent.

The Italy international joined the Serie A champions on a season-long deal last summer, and his representative, Franco Zavaglia, says he will be a 'Milan player in all respects' once he has made five more appearances for the club.

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb.com, Zavaglia said: "It's all written in the contract.

"Once Alberto has made 25 appearances [he has already made 20] for the Rossoneri, he will be a Milan player in all respects."

Aquilani is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, but Zavaglia believes the midfielder will return to full fitness next month.

"He's progressing very well - I hope he can return in mid-March," he added.

The 27-year-old joined Liverpool from Roma for £20m in the summer of 2009, but a succession of injuries and the arrival of several new midfielders prevented him from establishing himself as a first-team fixture at Anfield.