Ortega on way to Sampdoria

Italian Serie A side Sampdoria expect to sign Argentina striker Ariel Ortega by the weekend.

The player impressed the Italians at the recent World Cup with his creative displays although his tournament was marred by a sending off for violent conduct that took Argentina to the brink of defeat in the quarter final against Holland.

Ortega has been released from his contact with Spanish Primera Division side Valencia after rowing throughout last season with their coach - an argument that saw him play most of the term as a substitute if at all.

The Valencia coach is the Italian Claudio Ranieri and Ortega failed to comply with the new disciplined approach imported by the Italian. In Italy itself there will be no escape from this but Sampdoria feel the player is a secure investment for them after his fine displays in France.