Rolando Bianchi

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi is close to completing his return to Italy with move to Lazio. The 24-year-old, who joined from Reggina for £8.8m at the start of the season, has not settled at Eastlands and will go on loan for the rest of the season, with the Rome club getting a sell-on option of £9.7m

"There are still all the practicalities left to sort out, such as the medical and signing the contract, but the deal should be completed today or tomorrow," said Lazio spokesman Giacomo Mazzocchi, whose club lies 14th in Italy's top flight, just two points clear of the drop zone.

Bianchi all but confirmed his departure from Eastlands by issuing a statement on his official website thanking the City fans for their support during his time in England. "I want to thank the City fans from the bottom of my heart," he said. "They have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of them. I will take in my heart their passion and their attachment to the team.

I would also like to thank Mr Shinawatra, his family and all the people at the club for giving me the possibility to play in a beautiful and riveting tournament such as the Premier League."