Man United striker set for Spain loan move

Manchester United youngster Federico Macheda is poised to join Elche on loan, according to the Spanish club’s president.

With four strikers - Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez - ahead of him in the Old Trafford pecking order, Macheda has struggled to make an impact this term and has managed just one first-team outing.

talkSPORT told you last week that the Italian was open to the idea of a loan move, despite unsuccessful short spells at Sampdoria and QPR in the past.

And now Elche, the Spanish second tier side, are ready to offer the 21-year-old first-team football - although president Jose Sepulchre says the deal is yet to be finalised.

He told Efe: "The agreement between the three parties is complete, but we still cannot say that the player will come because nothing has been signed yet."

Macheda, who came to prominence with a spectacular last-minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009, is expected to join Elche until the end of the season.