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Transfer news: Leeds United confirm Tommaso Bianchi and Souleymane Doukara signings

Tommaso Bianchi
Image: Tommaso Bianchi: Joined Leeds alongside striker Souleymane Doukara

Leeds United have delved into the Italian market once again to complete the signings of midfielder Tommaso Bianchi and striker Souleymane Doukara.

Bianchi, a former Italy Under 21 international, has penned a four-year deal at Elland Road after joining from Serie A side Sassuolo, while French-born Doukara arrives from Catania on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent switch.

25-year-old Bianchi, who spent last season on loan with Modena, had been training with Leeds at their northern Italy pre-season base for a number of days prior to his move being confirmed.

Head coach David Hockaday told the club's official website: "Tommaso can play on the left, on the right, in the number 10 role and he can score goals. 

"In the last three seasons he has been involved in teams pushing for promotion. He was twice been beaten in the Play-Offs but more importantly he won automatic promotion into Serie A. So the last three seasons have been positive for Tommaso. 

"He is hungry, young and he is everything that we are about. He has a great technique and he is another player that we delighted to welcome to Elland Road."

According to reports, Bianchi is set to be joined by one of his former Sassuolo team-mates in the shape of Swiss defender Jonathan Rossini.

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The 25-year-old, who has one Switzerland cap to his name, is said to be close to a loan move to West Yorkshire, while United are also reportedly in talks with Sampdoria regarding full-back Gaetano Berardi.

Doukara, meanwhile, will boost United's striking options following the departure of captain and last season's top goalscorer, Ross McCormack, to Fulham.

The 22-year-old, who is eligible to play for Senegal, spent the last campaign in Serie B with Juve Stabia and he found the net six times in his 20 appearances,

Hockaday said: "I’d like to welcome Souleymane to Leeds United. He is a big, powerful and fast player with a hunger to succeed. He is exactly what we need at the club."

The arrival of the pair sees United take their summer influx to four new faces following the signings of goalkeepers Stuart Taylor and Marco Silvestri.

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