Macheda set for loan move to Sampdoria

FEDERICO MACHEDA is on the brink of a loan move from Manchester United to Sampdoria, according to the striker’s agent.

United manager Alex Ferguson admitted the 19-year-old should go on loan for the rest of the season in order to gain experience.

Now it appears Sampdoria are favourites to land the Italian who moved to Old Trafford from Lazio three years ago.

His agent, Giovanni Bia, said: “The only thing missing is the formalities.

“I hope to finish everything by tonight so the player will be available for Sunday.”

On whether the duration of the loan spell will be six months, Bia added: “The idea is it will be.

“Then it will be evaluated with Manchester United and they will need to see if he stays in Italy for another year.

“It is 99% he would go straight back to Manchester United.”

The news that Macheda is set for a switch to Serie A will dash any hopes West Bromwich had of securing his services.