Agent: Macheda close to Sampdoria move

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 announced at the weekend he was looking for the 19-year-old to 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 told Sky Sport 24: “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 this.

“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 Macheda is set for Serie A will dash any hopes West Brom had of securing his services.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo confirmed his interest in signing the teenager and was initially interested in acquiring the services of Macheda for a spell at the start of last season.

Di Matteo admitted: “Macheda is someone we looked at right at the start of last season.

“He’s a striker, we are after a striker and we have to look at whether Manchester United will let him join us.”