ITALIAN misfit Ciccio Grabbi was today on the verge of a move back to Italy with Serie B side Napoli.

Ewood chief executive John Williams revealed this morning that Rovers ARE in talks with a third party acting on behalf of the fallen Italian giants.

But he insisted there is still some work to do on a deal -- which would see the 26-year-old return intially on loan -- before the Italian transfer window closes later tomorrow.

"There was a number of telephone conversations yesterday but they were all made via a third party which is never as satisfactory as dealing with the club directly," said Williams.

"So at this moment in time we are still waiting for a formal offer to take Ciccio on loan for the rest of the season.

"If that's to happen, then it must come today in order to give us time to process all the paperwork.

"So nothing has happened as yet but I think there's a real chance that something could happen before the deadline."

Grabbi has struggled to settle in England ever since his £6.75 million move from Ternana in the summer, scoring just twice in six months.

So a move back home would appear to suit all parties and the arrangement could become permanent if he was to impress over the remainder of the season.