Italian side Empoli have agreed on a deal to sign Aston Villa flop Bosko Balaban.

The Croatian marksman failed to start a game for Villa Park following a £6 million move from Dynamo Zagreb, and the Premier League club released him from his contract.

Empoli general director Pino Vitale confirmed that: “Next Tuesday there will be the official presentation”.

Empoli are struggling near the bottom of Serie A and will look to Balaban to propel them up the table.