CHARLTON have denied reports striker Paolo Di Canio is set for a return to his native Italy.

It has been suggested the 36-year-old has agreed terms for a move back to his former club Lazio.

Di Canio is a cult hero at the Rome club and they are apparently prepared to offer him a technical role behind the scenes when he retires.

However, Di Canio signed a one-year extension to his contract this summer and it is unlikely the Addicks would be prepared to let him leave for the cash-strapped Italians on a free transfer.

A spokesperson for Charlton said: “As far as we’re concerned this is just speculation. He was here at the training ground and he’s signed a year deal.”