24-year-old AS Roma forward Mattia Destro is expected to complete his move to Serie A newboys Bologna within the next week, according to various sources.

The Italian striker is believed to be joining Bologna on loan initially, with the Rossoblu retaining the option buy for €10million at the end of the 2015/16 season. Various outlets have reported that Destro has agreed personal terms with the side, but both clubs have yet to negotiate bonuses and image rights. 

The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, where he scored on three occasions. 

Surplus to requirements at Roma

Destro's departure became inevitable once news surfaced that Roma were interested in luring Manchester City forward Edin Džeko to the Stadio Olympico. 

Both forwards of a similar ilk, though the Bosnian boasts a vastly superior goal tally. The Italian flourished under the tutelage of Rudi Garcia during the 2013/14 season as Roma laid claim to second place, but suffered profoundly last term which culminated in a dismal loan spell at Milan during the second half of last season.

Seydou Doumbia, whose arrival in January prompted the temporary departure of Destro, is also set to leave the club.

A significant coup from the Rossoblu

Sides who earn promotion to the top flight courtesy of the play-off route are typically viewed as the weaker of the three sides promoted. Bologna, however, are looking to buck the trend, with the club showing concrete interest in several household names over the summer.

The Rossoblu have shown interest in Jonathan De Guzman of Napoli, but the creative midfielder is set to snub Bologna in favour of a move to Olympique Marseille.

Omar El Kaddouri is another potential target, with the Moroccan set to face a season on the periphery at NapoliInter Milan duo Ezequiel Schelotto and Saphir Taider have also been linked to the newly-promoted side. 

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Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com