Reports in Italy say that Lazio are still confident of signing the 28-year-old who will have to take a large pay cut in if he wants to join his friend Roberto Mancini's club. They want the matter sorted before the end of the transfer window, however the Blues would like Sereni's departure confirmed as soon as possible.

Town boss Joe Royle says he is monitoring developments: “Hopefully, the fact that he hasn't come back here means he is close to agreeing something over there.

"Let's just say I am keeping an eye on the situation. With having a lad on trial here, I need to know what's happening.

"I am hoping everything will be resolved. But if Sereni doesn't return we could have a disciplinary problem on our hands, although I hope it doesn't come to that."

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