Benito Carbone has returned to Valley Parade - although he is suspended for Saturday.

As exclusively, reported in yesterday's Telegraph & Argus, Derby have decided against signing the Italian striker, pictured, who scored one goal in 14 appearances for the Premiership relegation-battlers.

And they have sent him back a week before the end of his three-month loan spell.

Derby chief executive Keith Loring said: "We appreciate what Beni has done in his three months at Derby and thank him for his contribution.

"But it would have been unfeasible to make the move permanent."

City boss Nicky Law has already said that City cannot afford to keep their highest wage-earner although he is not predicting too many changes during the rest of the campaign.

He said: "I'd like to get through the rest of this season and then reassess the situation. We've pretty much got this squad for the rest of the year.

"I want to change things but anyone worth their salt won't come on a short-term deal so it will take time."

Carbone must sit out City's home game with Portsmouth following his recent red card at West Ham. But he will be eligible to face Barnsley at Oakwell next week.

His last appearance in a Bantams shirt was as a substitute at Crystal Palace on October 16.