Alberto Aquilani has completed his move away from Anfield, returning to Italy with Serie A side Fiorentina for an undisclosed fee.
The Italian midfielder was signed in 2009 as a replacement for Xabi Alonso but struggled to settle in the Premier League and has spent the last two seasons on loan to Juventus and AC Milan.
A major reason for offloading Aquilani is thought to be his wages – reported in some cases as in excess of £5m per year.
The details of the deal have not been disclosed but reports suggest Fiorentina have paid around €4m (£3.1m). In a complicated deal though, Liverpool are believed to have paid the player €1.7m compensation.
Liverpool have cut their wage bill by almost £300,000 per week with the departures of Aquilani, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez this summer. They could be followed by Andy Carroll and Joe Cole, both too on high wages.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea could be completed this weekend. The Welsh midfielder is reported to have agreed personal terms and will join up with Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
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