Macheda set for shock switch to Elche

Manchester United hotshot Federico Macheda is set for a loan move to Elche, the Spanish club have confirmed.

Just hours after Stuttgart sporting director Fredi Bobic expressed interest in the Italian forward, it was revealed that the player was likely to end up at Elche.

The Segunda Division club president Jose Sepulchre claims Macheda has agreed to join the Spanish side.

“The agreement between the three parties is complete, but we still cannot say that the player will come because nothing has been signed yet,” he told Spanish news agency EFE.

Macheda exploded onto the biggest stage during the 2010/2011 season, when he made no less than seven Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, but he has since failed to fulfill his undoubted potential.

Due to the fierce competition for places at Old Trafford, the Italian had loan spells with Sampdoria and QPR, but also failed to impress.

He will now be given another opportunity to earn some much needed playing time, although many will be surprised by his decision to accept an offer from Spanish second division.