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Former England prodigy Jack Rodwell set for shock Serie A move after Blackburn departure

Sunderland's Jack Rodwell during their English Premier League soccer match between Sunderland and Swansea City at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Rodwell could be on the verge of a surprise move to Italy. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Jack Rodwell is set for a shock switch to Serie A to sign for Italian giants Roma.

The former England starlet is in due in Italy for a series of medical tests ahead of a potential deal until the end of the season, according to the Mail Online.

It would provide a remarkable upturn in fortunes for the utility man, who can play in midfield or defence, having left Championship side Blackburn Rovers four months ago.

But the move could make sense for the Italian side, who are currently suffering from an injury crisis and looking at free agent options.

Rodwell burst onto the Premier League scene with Everton - amid big expectations. (Photo by Joe Giddens - PA Images via Getty Images)
Rodwell burst onto the Premier League scene with Everton - amid big expectations (Photo by Joe Giddens - PA Images via Getty Images)

Rodwell, now 28, was highly touted to be a Premier League star when he broke onto the first team scene from Everton’s academy.

His form for the Toffees saw him picked for England among a clamour for a generational reboot after 2010’s World Cup disappointment.

Barclays Premier League, Manchester City v West Ham United, Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's Jack Rodwell celebrates at the end of the game   (Photo by Sharon Latham/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
His career has not quite gone to plan - despite a Premier League title win with Man City in 2014. (Photo by Sharon Latham/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

The Southport-born defensive midfielder then moved to Manchester City in 2012 for £12million, but the move failed to work out for him despite being at the club when they won their second Premier League title.

His inability to become more than a bit-part player in the City squad, with just seven league starts in two years, saw him sold to Sunderland for £10m in 2014 where he was subsequently relegated in consecutive seasons to League One.

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