Grabbi set for return to Italy

Blackburn Rovers FC forward Corrado Grabbi is set to join Serie B side FC Messina on loan for the rest of the season - if the deal can be completed before the Italian transfer deadline.

Napoli move dead
Grabbi has scored just two goals for the FA Premiership club since his €11m transfer from Ternana last summer and had been linked with a loan move to SSC Napoli. That move fell through but the 26-year-old striker has instead agreed a deal to join Messina, who are currently 12th in Italian football's second tier. Blackburn have agreed for him to go to Messina on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer.

Rush to complete paperwork
The clubs now face a rush to complete the necessary paperwork before the Italian transfer window closes later on Thursday. Blackburn chief executive John Williams told the club's official website: "I must stress, we are still up against the deadline. We actually arrived at a deal with the Italian representatives during last night's game against Arsenal, but there is still paperwork to be completed before a deal is finally concluded. We will be working towards trying to beat the deadline today."