United in Talks to Extend Striker Loan

Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov is optimistic Manchester United striker Federico Macheda will return to the Keepmoat Stadium for a second loan spell after his month-long deal was ended prematurely due to a hamstring injury.

The Italian had joined Rovers on an initial one-month loan with a view to agreeing a 93-day deal with the Championship outfit.

However after scoring three goals in five appearances for Doncaster, a hamstring strain picked up during the win over Leicester City on Saturday has forced him to return to Old Trafford in order to receive treatment on the injury.

Having originally described the signing as "a massive coup" upon the completion of the deal in September, Dickov is keen to see the 22 year old return to the club when he recovers and reveals talks have already begun.

"He came off with a tight hamstring and will be missing for a good few weeks but we are still looking at extending his deal as we hope to have him back soon," Dickov told the club's official website.

"We are speaking to Manchester United to do a deal to get him back once he is fit."

After making his Doncaster debut against Watford, Macheda score twice on his home bow for the club to secure a point against Nottingham Forest before his only goal helped down Sheffield Wednesday.

Further appearances have come against leaders Burnley and last weekend against Leicester before injury struck.

With his first team chances have decreased in recent seasons at United, Macheda has been forced into moving out on loan with Rovers representing his fourth temporary spell in two years.

Following a move back to his homeland to play for Sampdoria, Macheda was sent out on loan at Queens Park Rangers and then Stuttgart where he endured inauspicious spells.

He made three appearances for United last season, all three of them coming in defeats, twice in the Champions League to Galatasaray and CFR Cluj and once against Chelsea in the League Cup.

Macheda is among a string of players enjoying decent spells out on loan, with Jesse Lingard and Nick Powell having success at Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic respectively.