Questions on Antenucci's future Leeds United can't ignore

Antenucci is the only senior player out of contract in June; the only player who Leeds United are under short-term pressure to think about.

Antenucci has had high points and problematic points in his two seasons in England. He was United’s top scorer last season but limited in appearances by a clause in his deal which the club were anxious not to activate. He was also one of the six foreign players controversially declared injured ahead of a 2-1 defeat at Charlton in April, the penultimate month of Neil Redfearn’s reign as head coach.

The forward drew interest and offers from Italy in January, but Leeds were unwilling to lose him and his contribution in the past week against Bolton Wanderers and Cardiff – games United and Evans had to win – vindicated that decision, at least in the shorter term. It remains to be seen if Leeds, Evans or owner Massimo Cellino think the forward has any more to offer next season at a price the are willing to pay.

Antenucci will start away at Blackburn and Evans does not appear in any rush to see the striker leave

“No-one disputes that Mirco is a very talented player,” Evans said. “When you’ve got a focused Mirco, you’ve got a player who you know defenders won’t want to face.”

Evans backed himself into a corner recently by claiming that contract talks had begun with Alex Mowatt, Charlie Taylor and Lewis Cook, a claim which was contradicted by one of the players’ agents. Evans, whose own deal as head coach runs until June, said he would leave Antenucci’s situation for “others to focus on” but insisted: “Of course I have a say in the players. If I didn’t want him there wouldn’t be a contract there. That’s my role.

“But I just want Mirco to focus on his performances and on getting a lot more goals. I had a chat with him prior to Bolton and said ‘your time’s arrived, go and score goals. Produce performances that make you sought-after internally and externally’.

“If he continues to score goals then he puts himself in a wonderful position and he gives this club every opportunity to want to have that kid around for another 12 months or two years.

“A good future lies in front of him, wherever it is, but that decision lies with other people.”