Fernando Gago, Real Madrid's inconsistent and essentially forgotten center defensive is set will join AS Roma on loan according to various sources, including Ernesto Bronzetti, an agent for the Spanish club. Gago, who was set to join Argentinina club Boca Juniors earlier this summer before the deal fell through, apparently nixed the idea of joining an English club permanently, insisting instead that he preferred Italy.

"There was an opportunity for [Gago] to go to England," Bronzetti said. "But when he heard about Roma's interest, he blocked any other case to give his all to Roma." Source: Sky Sports

While the terms of the deal haven't been released yet, the loan is expected to be accompanied by a buyout option that would come close to €6 million. Roma would acquire the center midfielder permanently.  

("Real Madrid have announced an agreement with AS Roma for the loan of Fernando Gago")

 
Interestingly, Real Madrid's other quasi-unwanted center midfielder Lassana Diarra was also included in the talks, though Madrid "do not want him to leave unless there is a definite offer to buy him," Bronzetti concluded. Too bad--Roma would have been a good place for Lass to land as well.