La Repubblica newspaper on Wednesday quoted sources close to London-based Attestor as saying the fund had decided to become a shareholder in Monte dei Paschi through the debt conversion, after Italy's third-largest bank on Tuesday unveiled its latest rescue plan.

Under new Chief Executive Marco Morelli, Monte dei Paschi plans to raise 5 billion euros in capital by the end of the year, launching first a debt-to-equity swap over 5 billion euros of subordinated bonds it has outstanding and then a share issue.

It was not possible to reach Attestor or Monte dei Paschi for comment.

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by David Holmes)