Soccer: Ince ready for Italian job

Paul Ince is ready to finish his playing career in Italy after Middlesbrough refused to give him a new contract at the end of the season.

Ince has been linked with a return to Serie A after spending two years with Inter Milan.

He had hoped to see out his playing days at the Riverside, but now plans to sign a pre-contract agreement with an Italian club in the new year.

"Paul would have preferred to finish his playing career at Middlesbrough, where he has a great relationship with the players and supporters, but has been told his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of this season," said Ince's agent Steve Kutner.

"Paul still feels he can play at the top level for another couple of years," added Kutner.

"It is now likely that Paul will look to sign a pre-contract after Christmas, and that he will end his playing days with an emotional return to a Serie A side in Italy."