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Liverpool are set to take possession of Luis Alberto midfielder this summer - but he is unlikely to feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Spaniard will head back to Anfield after a two-year loan deal with Malaga was ended halfway through.

Reds boss Rodgers, however, is unlikely to change his perception of a player who struggled to impose himself following his £6.8m move to Merseyside from Sevilla in the summer of 2013.

After a handful of pre-season appearances – including a goal in Norway against Valerenga - the tall, attacking midfielder became a near permanent presence on the Reds subs bench.

He started just two matches - a Capital One Cup tie against Notts County and an FA Cup tie against Oldham, but was hauled off early in both of them.

(Image: Getty)

He made ten fleeting appearances as a substitute, but after an 86th minute arrival in the long since won 5-1 demolition of Arsenal in February didn’t figure again.

He was loaned out to Malaga and positive displays in his first few outings suggested his career may be revived.

Her scored the winner on his debut against Athletic Bilbao and remained a key element in the side for the next five games, but gradually fell out of favour with manager Javi Gracia.

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He finished the season having made just six starts, plus a further three starts in the Copa del Rey.

As recently as March Javi Garcia said: “He has a technical level that sets him apart from other players.

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“He is talented, finishes well and scores goals. It is true that he is playing less than he might like because others are playing well, but he has a promising future.

“I have no doubt that he is a very good player but he still needs to consolidate himself.”

But despite selling fellow midfielders Juanmi to Southampton and Samu Castillejo and Samuel Garcia to Villarreal this summer, Javi Garcia has still elected to end the loan early.

The likelihood is that Alberto will be loaned out again this summer, unless the Reds can attract a permanent bid for a once promising young midfielder whose career has stalled.