United striker looks likely to join Premier League rivals

The agent of Manchester United frontman Federico Macheda has revealed that the Italian is very likely to join Queens Park Rangers on loan during the January transfer window. United’s Lancastrian rivals Wigan have are also reportedly interested in the player, who is struggling for first-team opportunities at the Theatre of Dreams. 

20-year-old Macheda scored United’s goal from the penalty spot during the Carling Cup defeat at home to Crystal Palace, but continues to struggle for regular first-team chances.

He featured as a substitute during recent league wins over Wigan and Wolves, but is widely tipped to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window.

Newly-promoted QPR are hopeful of signing the player – and his representative has revealed that a move to Loftus Road is by far the most likely option, despite reported interest from the DW Stadium.

Agent Giovanni Bia has said: "There was nothing concrete with Wigan. The club closer to Macheda is QPR.

"I think at 95 per cent that Macheda will go to London, because he needs to play, and this is the only suggestion of a transfer to date.

Bia, however, has been quick to emphasise that the player still has a big role to play at Old Trafford.

He added: “He'll go on a simple loan for six months, because Sir Alex Ferguson believes in him and wants to take him back to United at the end of the season.

"The other five per cent of chance is that Macheda stays in Manchester."