Nakata said he had sought a move from Parma after Prandelli reneged on a pre-season promise to play him in his favourite role as an attacking central midfielder instead of on the right wing.

"I have decided to leave Parma for the rest of the season," the 26-year-old Japan captain said in a message posted on his official website.

"I have frustrated my supporters so far this season. I'll do my best to let them enjoy from now on."

The deal was expected to announced by Parma later Friday when the Italian winter break transfer market re-opens, with Nakata joining Bologna immediately, press reports said.

"At this point in time, I am in a situation which is unfortunately unchanged from a year before or worse still," Nakata said.

"I haven't played behind the forward line at all and lately I have fewer opportunities to play than before."

Nakata also said his move had been motivated largely by his trust in Bologna coach Carlo Mazzone, under whom he played in his second year at Perugia.

Nakata, twice the Asian player of the year, moved to Perugia after the 1998 World Cup finals for his first overseas contract. He also played for AS Roma before he was sold to Parma in 2001.

"I had talked with Mazzone directly by telephone and all the question about my position was cleared up," Nakata said, adding that Mazzone understands him "both as a soccer player and a person."

"More than anything else, he needs my soccer. It matters much," he said.

Press reports said Nakata would be paid an estimated 92 million yen (842,500 dollars) for the six-month deal, 30 percent down from what he would have earned at Parma, it added.

He may be eligible for Bologna's league match against Empoli on Tuesday.

In the middle of last year, Nakata was reported to be sought after by other European clubs including English Premiership title hopefuls Chelsea as well as Italy's AC Milan and Lazio.