Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson says he may loan Alberto Aquilani out to a club in the midfielder’s native Italy.

The 26-year-old has struggled with form and fitness since joining the Anfield outfit from Roma for £20m last summer as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.

“At the moment we are considering loaning him to an Italian club,” said Hodgson after Thursday’s 1-0 win over Trabzonspor in the Europa League.

“I didn’t want to use him tonight in case the loan move goes through.”

Had Aquilani featured for Liverpool in Thursday’s play-off first leg, he would not have been able to play in Europe for another club this season.