Benito Carbone will become a Como player on Sunday when he begins pre-season training in Italy.

Carbone will join up with the Serie A new boys after making it clear he is not coming back to City.

The Bantams are still waiting for an official word from Como, who must apply for international clearance before he can play for them.

But Giovanni Paladini, Carbone's agent in England, expects that to happen before the weekend.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, Paladini said: "Benito will be with Como for the start of their training. They are going to be up in the mountains and he is really looking forward to it.

"A deal has been done with Como, it's official in Italy and he won't be coming back to Bradford. The solicitors are now working on a case for Benito. What's gone on at Bradford is a thing of the past now. That will be sorted out in court.

"Benito wants to move forward. He has done his time in England and now he is excited about playing in Italy in Serie A again."

Carbone, who still has two years left on his Valley Parade contract, will be joining his 12th club.

Paladini said: "It was a shame that he didn't join Middlesbrough and he still doesn't know what happened there. But football is a crazy world and you cannot always predict what is around the corner.

"Who would have thought that Terry Venables would be coming back as a manager again? In this game things can change very quickly.

"Benito did very well with Middlesbrough but now he is glad to be back home. Players who come back to Italy after being in the Premiership are always a lot stronger because the game is quicker in England and his experience will be very important for Como."

Carbone's departure could open the way for Argentinian striker Esteban Herrera.

City are believed to be chasing the 21-year-old from Boca Juniors, although nothing would be finalised until the club are out of administration.

Herrera, who played for Argentina in last summer's world under-20s championships, would be available on a year's loan.

He had a brief trial with Newcastle in August 2000, coming over with Pablo Bonvin

who moved on to

Sheffield Wednesday.