Parma defender Antonio Benarrivo has lowered his wage demands and expects to sign for Fulham on Friday.

The deal was reported to be off on Wednesday when it was claimed that the right-back had failed a medical.

But Benarrivo insists the deal will go through and see him join fellow Italian Franco Baresi - Fulham's technical director - at the west London club.

"I have accepted an inferior contract to expectations," the 23-cap international told Italian sports daily Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"But the economic factor is a definite second to my enthusiasm for this new experience."

The 33-year-old was linked with Middlesbrough and Arsenal earlier this year and is available on a free transfer.

He was unable to hold down a regular place in a Parma team that finished 10th in Serie A last season.