Federico Chiesa has been linked with a loan move back to Italy after playing only four times for Liverpool so far this season, but his agent has spoken out about the situation and ruled out a January exit.

The 26-year-old signed for Liverpool on a cut-price deal from Juventus in the summer but things have not worked out so far. Arne Slot has spoken about him needing to get used to the higher level of intensity and he has also been sidelined with injury and illness.

"Napoli did not negotiate to sign Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of dispensing with the player," Fali Ramadani, Chiesa's representative, is quoted as telling 365 Scores.

READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai out of Liverpool squad for Man Utd game as reason emerges

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk makes 'absolutely honest' admission in fiery post-Man Utd interview

• Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Trent Alexander-Arnold mega offer, Chiesa loan, Man Utd fallout

• Virgil van Dijk fumes at Liverpool teammate as Arne Slot proven right - 5 talking points vs Man Utd

"The player is continuing with Liverpool and is seeking to get the opportunity to participate in the coming period. This is what I can confirm now."

Chiesa is likely to be handed a start in the FA Cup third round tie against Accrington Stanley at Anfield next weekend. That match could also be a chance for Harvey Elliott, who has barely featured this year mainly because of injury, and Wataru Endo, whose minutes have mainly arrived in the domestic cups.

Chiesa last played for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup against Southampton where he came off the bench at half-time. On that occasion, he showed rustiness and the need for more match sharpness before he can be involved in more meaningful games.

Liverpool.com says: Chiesa has not shown what he can do at Liverpool so far but that is exactly why he shouldn't be going anywhere just yet. He was always going to be a long-term project that would take time. If he is still in the same position this time next season, only then will there be a decision to make on whether the gamble has worked or not.