Bianchi set to clinch Lazio move

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi is in Italy finalising a loan move to Serie A outfit Lazio. The 24-year-old Italian has struggled to settle since signing for City in an £8.8m move from Reggina in the summer.

Bianchi has also complained about the English lifestyle, and boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed he can leave.

Lazio have moved in and he is now set to undergo a medical and sign until the end of the season, with the option of a permanent £9m move in the summer.

Lazio have paid a small fee to take Bianchi on loan now to fight off interest from Torino, who had been favourites for his signature.

Giacomo Mazzocchi, a Lazio spokesman, said: “There are still all the practicalities left to sort out, such as the medical and signing the contract, but the deal should be completed on Wednesday or Thursday.”