Agent Plays Down Macheda Talk

Federico Macheda's agent has played down reports the Manchester United striker is lining up a return to Italy.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Juventus, with Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon moving in the opposite direction.

The former Lazio trainee has seen more game-time this season, already starting two Premier League games and scoring his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

And having moved up Sir Alex Ferguson's pecking order, Macheda's agent, Giovanni Bia, insists he is not considering a summer switch to Juve - or any other club in his homeland.

"I don't know anything about it," he told calciomercato.com.

"I don't know if the two clubs have talked about it but no-one has called me, neither Manchester United nor Juventus.

"For now, I'd rule out a move to Turin, but I don't think he's ready to come back at all.

"Macheda is doing well in England and has no nostalgia for Italy. He is highly regarded at United and feels the confidence of Ferguson, and he knows that he can only grow at such a prestigious club."

Macheda broke his duck for Italy's Under-21s earlier this month, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Turkey.

That was his fifth appearance for the Under-21s and Bia sees a positive future under new coach Ciro Ferrara, who succeeded Pierluigi Casiraghi last month.

"The former coach, Casiraghi, didn't see him in his plans," Bia added.

"Now with Ferrara, Federico can show his qualities.

"He feels important for the Under-21s and hopes to score a lot of goals."