Former Manchester United player Federico Macheda is set to join Serie A side Novara in his bid to continue his professional footballing career, according to reports.
La Stampa reports that the Italian has reached advanced stages of negotation with the club regarding the purported move.
Macheda started with the youth team in Lazio, Italy before his move to Old Trafford. Despite an early impact in scoring a crucial goal for the Red Devils at 17 years old, the player struggled to establish himself at the club. After six years, riddled with numerous loan spells, he moved to Cardiff.
Cardiff could not help the player as his unfilled potential continued. After failing to score in eight games, the Welsh side got tired. He only managed six goals in two seasons for the Bluebirds. The Championship side dropped him earlier this year, leaving him a free agent.
There were many reports that linked Serie A club Pescara with a move for the 25-year old but the deal never happened. Macheda tried out with Premier League side Watford during the summer, even scoring a penalty kick in a run-out for the Under-23 side. However, the club did not buy into his potential for their team.
Sport Italia reported that Serie B outfit Bari were open to a new deal for Macheda but the deal is yet to happen.
Novara seems ready to sign the player as Macheda remains focused on reestablsihing himself at home in Italy. If the deal does not happen, there are rumours that the player might bow to pressure to move away from European football to America, Russia, China or which other option is most favourable.