Italian outfit Ascoli have taken up their purchase option on Leeds United midfielder Tommaso Bianchi.
Leeds agreed to loan the injury prone midfielder to Ascoli in the winter transfer window this year and the deal included an option for the Italian side to keep the midfielder permanently.
Bianchi was sent off on his Ascoli debut, but managed to do enough in his appearances to convince the club to keep him.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Ascoli have confirmed they have used their purchase option to sign Bianchi permanently.
Leeds secured Bianchi in 2014 from Italian club Sassuolo, but he struggled to make an impact at Elland Road as injuries took their toll.
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The 27-year-old made his debut for the Whites in the League Cup against Accrington Stanley, while his league debut came soon afterwards as Leeds beat Middlesbrough in a Championship fixture.
Bianchi started his career in the youth ranks at Piacenza and his move to Leeds was the first occasion in which he had played outside of his native country.
Ascoli finished in 15th spot in Serie B last season.
