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, 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.

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.

Featured from our writers

• Nicolas Pepe rescues Arsenal with two late free-kicks to come from behind against Vitoria Guimaraes

• Manchester United hold on for first away win since March against Partizan Belgrade

• Liverpool supporters miss Champions League tie after accidentally going to wrong Belgian city

Yahoo Sport UK presents Tailgate