ALBERTO AQUILANI’S agent has dismissed speculation the player will head home for Italy after just one season at Liverpool.

Reports yesterday suggested Rafael Benitez has already decided to dispense of the midfielder’s services after a difficult campaign since arriving from Roma for almost £20million last summer.

Aquilani’s Liverpool debut was delayed until October as he recovered from a serious ankle injury, and a series of niggles hampered to show his best form with the Italian ending with just two goals in 26 appearances.

Fiorentina are long-time admirers of the 25-year-old with Juventus also said to be monitoring developments.

But Aquilani’s representative Franco Zavaglia has laughed off suggestions his client is on the verge of leaving Anfield.

“A return to Italy? I don't know anything, because Alberto is well in Liverpool,” said Zavaglia.

“There is talk of Juventus and Fiorentina but the former have to define the structure of the club before thinking about the market. Equally, Fiorentina has the issue of (coach) Cesare Prandeli to resolve.

“Aquilani has recovered well from his ankle injury and for this reason I think Liverpool won't get rid of him.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres remains a doubt for Spain’s World Cup opener against Switzerland as he continues his recovery from knee surgery last month.

Torres is continuing his rehabilitation in his homeland as he bids to be ready for the clash with the Swiss on June 16 in Durban.

“Right now, we cannot say whether Fernando will be ready in time for the first match against Switzerland,” said Spain team doctor Juan Jose Garcia Cota.

“He has started to work outside and is still doing gym work to improve the muscle tone around the knee.