Alberto Aquilani has had a generally successful season with Juventus © Getty Images Enlarge

Juventus have opened negotiations with Liverpool regarding the permanent transfer of Alberto Aquilani, according to reports in Italy.

Aquilani is on loan at Juventus until the end of the season, but the Turin giants have an option to buy him for €16.5 million in the summer should they wish to do so.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are unwilling to pay such a high amount and are hoping to agree a deal for around €12 million.

The Italian club are in a strong bargaining position because the player wants to stay in Turin and appears to be surplus to requirements at Anfield.

"It is thanks to the Bianconeri club that I have returned to the national team," Aquilani told Corriere dello Sport earlier this week. "The club has to evaluate the situation but I would like to stay."

Aquilani's desire to remain at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino should help smooth over issues with his salary. The 26-year-old currently earns €3.5 million a year and Juventus would like him to take a pay cut.

The former Roma player joined Liverpool in the summer of 2009 for a reported £20 million, but failed to make an appearance for the club until November due to injury.

He returned to Italy after just one year in the Premier League and has scored twice and made 27 league appearances for Juventus this season.

Juve are seventh in Serie A, eight points behind Udinese, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot with seven games remaining.

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