Federico Macheda is '95%' certain to join QPR on loan according to agent

According to the agent of Federico Macheda, the Manchester United striker is '95%' certain to join Queens Park Rangers on loan in the upcoming January transfer window. The 20-year-old has only made six appearances this season in all competitions and he currently sits 5th at best in the United striker pecking order -- he would likely move another spot down when Michael Owen returns from injury. Last season during the same January transfer window, Macheda went back to his native Italy on loan to then Serie A side Sampdoria. The loan was considered an unsuccessful one as the youngster failed to score a goal in his 14 appearances -- only three were starts -- and Sampdoria were eventually relegated. Macheda made an impact for United during the 2008-09 season run-in -- most memorably his injury-time winner versus Aston Villa -- but he has failed to reach similar heights since. Regular playing time is a must for Macheda's development but a possible move to QPR would see him competing with the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Adel Taarabt, Jay Bothroyd, DJ Campbell, and Heidar Helguson for time on the pitch. It doesn't appear certain that he'd earn regular playing in London. Here is what Giovanni Bia -- Macheda's agent -- told Sky Sports:

"There was nothing concrete with Wigan. The club closer to Macheda is QPR. I think at 95% that Macheda will go to London, because he needs to play, and this is the only suggestion of a transfer to date. He'll go on a simple loan for six months, because Sir Alex Ferguson believes in him and wants to take him back to United at the end of the season. The other 5% of chance is that Macheda stays in Manchester."