Giuseppe Rossi almost went to Roma, claims striker's agent

The former Manchester United front-man almost sealed an 11th-hour move to the Giallorossi, but is still five months away from returning to competitive action

Giuseppe Rossi was nearly involved in a last-minute transfer to Roma his agent Federico Pastorello has revealed.

Although having previously stated that his client would remain at Villarreal until at least the end of the current campaign, the Italy international's representative admits that he almost swapped clubs at the end of August.

"Roma? Rossi had given the all-clear to the move, but then it never quite materialised. There were several clubs who showed an interest, but at this moment we mustn’t be in a rush," Pastorello explained to Sky Sport Italia.

Rossi, who has been out of action since October 2011 due to several anterior cruciate ligament injuries, is not expected to make his return for another five months. And Pastorello then went on to give an update on his charge's recovery plans.

"Another operation is planned between September 20 and 25. If everything goes well, then he will go into the third bout of surgery. It’ll take around five months to see him back on the field," explained the agent.

Giuseppe Rossi was expected to be considered in Italy's plans for Euro 2012 prior to his injury woes.