Torino are stepping up their bid for Sampdoria striker Andrea Caracciolo after missing out on Rolando Bianchi yesterday.

Manchester City striker Bianchi has joined Lazio on-loan for the rest of this season, which has forced Toro to turn to Caracciolo to boost coach Walter Novellino's attack.

Caracciolo has already given the green light to his representatives to begin negotiations with Torino and a deal could be struck before the weekend.