Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is set for a move to Spain

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is unlikely to move to Italy in search of regular first-team football, according to his agent. The 21-year-old looks set to leave Old Trafford next month after falling behind Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in the pecking order. But Macheda, who has made just three appearances from the bench in all competitions this season, does not look likely to move to Serie A despite joining Sampdoria on loan in January last year. Giovanni Bia, Macheda's agent, hinted the Italian could be heading to a club in Spain or Germany earlier in the week and appeared to confirm the Primera Division would be his preferred destination. "I can exclude a return to Italy," Bia told Sportitalia. "He could probably do better in La Liga where technique is worth more than physique. "He's a boy who has had his injury problems, but Sir Alex Ferguson continues to believe that he can turn into a good player. We just have to find the right situation for him at this moment in time."

Source: team_talk