Grabbi gets Italian job

The 26-year-old, who has only scored twice since joining the Premiership side in the summer, has seen Andy Cole's arrival at Ewood Park push him further down the pecking order at Rovers and effectively end his time in England.

Grabbi has struggled at Rovers since his £6.75million transfer from Ternana last summer and had recently been linked with a loan move to Napoli, but Messina have won the battle for his signature.

A number of Serie A sides have shown an interest in Grabbi and Rovers boss Graeme Souness is prepared to cut his losses on the player.

The Italian has been keen on a return home to his homeland and, with Messina sitting in 12th spot in Serie B, they are determined to get in a proven goalscorer to boost their hopes of success.

Should Grabbi impress during his loan spell he is expected to complete a permanent move back to Italy but probably at a reduced price from his £6.75 million to Rovers.

"I am happy to go to Messina," he said. "Evidently, Napoli did not have the economic capabilities to match Messina.

"The only thing that frustrates me is Napoli spent much time with my agents."

Messina are also signing experienced Romanian defender Daniel Prodan.