ALBERTO AQUILANI has urged Liverpool defender Glen Johnson to join him at Juventus while revealing his desire to complete a permanent return to Italy.

Aquilani, who underwhelmed at Anfield last season following a £18million move from Roma, is proving a huge success since returning to Serie A on a year-long loan during the summer.

By contrast, Johnson’s disappointing form has prompted public criticism from Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.

It has led to speculation that the right-back – currently sidelined with an adductor problem – may seek a move in the January transfer window.

And Aquilani believes Johnson would be a perfect choice for his new club.

“What former Liverpool team-mate would I bring to Juventus?” said the Italian. “I wouldn’t want to offend some of my friends, but from Liverpool I would take Glen Johnson.”

Juventus have already agreed with Liverpool a fee in the region of £13.5m to make Aquilani’s move permanent, and the midfielder is determined to convince the Italian club it would be money well spent.

“I hope to convince the directors of Juventus to buy me from Liverpool,” said the 27-year-old. “At Juve I would like to open a new era with the team. It is a lot (of money), but they can negotiate.

“Juve was a huge opportunity for me, I could not lose it. Leaving Italy was not easy, I faced many life changes.”