Coloccini reports for training

Published Jan. 24, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Blackburn forward Mauro Formica has joined Serie A club Palermo on loan until the end of the season, Rovers have confirmed.

The Argentinian makes the move to Italy on a deal which will keep him at the Stadio Renzo Barbera until June 30th.

Formica, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at Ewood Park, joined Blackburn from native side Newell's Old Boys for an undisclosed fee in January 2011.

The 24-year-old, who suffered relegation from the Premier League with Rovers last season, has made 54 appearances for the Lancashire club, scoring five goals.

However, he has not featured since their 4-1 Championship defeat at home to Cardiff on December 7th.

Formica joins a Palermo side currently second-bottom of Serie A and without a win in eight games.

There had been suggestions that Coloccini may not return to the club, but he has checked in as scheduled and will continue discussions with the Premier League side.

The 31-year-old Argentina international's representatives met Newcastle officials earlier this week to discuss his desire to return to South America because of personal problems.

Argentine club San Lorenzo have been chasing centre-back Coloccini's signature after he told the Magpies of his desire to leave.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is understandably keen to retain the services of one of his most dependable defenders and has resisted attempts by San Lorenzo to prise him from Newcastle's grasp.

However, the matter remains unresolved and efforts to find a solution are ongoing.