Report: Sampdoria expected to sign Giovinco on free transfer

Sebastian Giovinco is closing in on a return to Italy.

Sampdoria are expected to sign the 35-year-old on a free transfer after losing striker Manolo Gabbiadini to a serious knee injury, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

There was speculation in recent weeks over a possible return to Toronto FC after Giovinco was invited to the Major League Soccer team's preseason training camp in California last month.

However, despite his ties to the Canadian city - where he spent four years and won the MLS Cup in 2017 - it appears Giovinco is on the verge of returning to Italy for the first time since leaving Juventus in 2015.

Giovinco has been out of contract since departing Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in August 2021.

Sampdoria reportedly opened talks with Giovinco after learning Gabbiadini could be out of action for an extended period due to the injury he suffered Sunday against Sassuolo.