Federico Macheda is reportedly close to joining Serie A newcomers Pescara on a free transfer.

The Italian forward left Cardiff City by mutual consent at the end of last month and it is understood that the 24-year-old is back in his homeland searching for a new club.

At the end of July, it was claimed that Pescara wanted to bring the forward to Serie A this season and according to Il Messaggero, that deal is now close to being completed.

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.