Football journalist Simon Austin, who has been a primary source of information throughout Massimo Cellino’s takeover of Leeds, has reported that Leeds are close to securing a deal for Italian duo Tomasso Bianchi and Marco Silvestri.

#lufc close to pushing through deals for midfielder Tomasso Bianchi & keeper Marco Silvestri. Bianchi would add technique & craft to centre

— Simon Austin (@sport_simon) July 6, 2014

Silvestri, who is a former Italian Under-21 international, has been linked to the club consistently. The young goalkeeper is expected to become the new number one for Leeds next season. Stuart Taylor was recently signed by Leeds, although he is expected to perform primarily as a backup goalkeeper next season. He spent the tail-end of last season on loan with Cellino’s Cagliari.

Tomasso Bianchi, on the other hand, is a midfielder, with ability to craft and create.

Leeds’s squad are currently in Italy for pre-season training, although they travelled without captain Ross McCormack, who has handed in a transfer request to the club. His future is uncertain, with recently relegated Fulham holding a keen interest in the Scotland international.

A series of other targets for Leeds from Italy was recently revealed, although those deals were nowhere near completion.