The agent of Leeds United pair Giuseppe Bellusci and Mirco Antenucci says that there is little prospect of either returning to Italy in the near future as Whites owner Massimo Cellino deems them too important to his project.
Both Bellusci and Antenucci featured regularly for Leeds last season, though each's campaign was not without its fair share of controversy.
Indeed, Antenucci was dropped from the side when he began to get amongst the goals, amid speculation of a clause in his contract meaning if he scored a set number of goals it would be automatically extended by a further year.
Bellusci meanwhile was one of a clutch of players to declared themselves injured on the eve of a game, despite then head coach Neil Redfearn knowing nothing about any injuries.
The Italian defender also took a pot-shot at critical Leeds fans by claiming while they were on their summer holiday, he would be working hard on his fitness.
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Silvio Pagliari, who represents the pair, talked up Bellusci's season however, telling Tutto Mercato: "Giuseppe had a very good season and is happy at Leeds."
He also ruled out an imminent return to Italy for Bellusci and Antenucci, saying Cellino is a firm fan of the pair.
"[Bellusci] has three years left on his contract and Cellino deems him important.
"I am sure that the president wants to build a strong team to aim high.
"The same holds true for Mirco.
"He was the team's top scorer with ten goals, even though he did not play consistently during the final part of the season under the new coach.
"He does though want to stay because Cellino considers him equally important."
