Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is reportedly close to joining Serie B outfit Novara.

The 25-year-old left Cardiff City by mutual consent at the end of last season and has been linked with a number of clubs since becoming a free agent.

The striker also had an unsuccessful trial with Premier League side Watford earlier this season and according to La Stampa, the Italian 'is an advanced negotiations' with second-tier Italian side Novara.

Macheda, a former Italy Under-21 international, came through the youth system at Lazio before joining Manchester United, where he spent six years before moving on to Cardiff.

Last season, he failed to score in eight appearances for the Welsh club.