Bilica stays at Palermo

The powerhouse defender has often courted controversy, none more so than when he allegedly threatened to break Roberto Baggio's legs during a game last November, and he did actually look to have walked out on his club, Venezia, back in January, 2001.

However, he did not officially leave Venezia for Palermo until this year, although there he did spend some time with South American outfit Flamengo in 2000/2001.

Alhough Venezia's relegation to Serie B had seemed certain to bring about a summer switch back to a top flight club, with Bayer and PSV both reportedly keen on the former Brazilian Under-21 international, he linked up with Palermo on a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old decided to stay in Italy's second division, although the prospect of a move in the future cannot be discounted, particularly if Palermo do not look like achieving Serie A status.

Bilica, an imposing figure, represented the full Brazilian team in a friendly against Australia back in 1999.