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Deal to sell Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci now in major doubt, Twitter reacts

Leeds' Giuseppe Bellusci (Reuters)
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Giuseppe Bellusci’s move to Empoli is now in doubt after the club’s relegation.

Leeds' Giuseppe BellusciLeeds’ Giuseppe Bellusci

Leeds United’s hopes of selling Giuseppe Bellusci this summer have been put in jeopardy by Empoli’s relegation from Serie A.

A final day 2-1 defeat to Palermo combined with Crotone beating Lazio 3-1 sent Empoli down in Serie B.

Bellusci has been on loan at Empoli since July, and had been expected to sign for the club permanently after becoming a regular at centre-back for the club this past season in Italy’s top flight.

Leeds United's Giuseppe BellusciLeeds United’s Giuseppe Bellusci

The defender’s agent told Tuttomercatoweb last month that talks were planned at the end of the season with Empoli, but their relegation could put this in doubt.

Bellusci may not want to join a Serie B club having had a taste of the top flight, and they too may no longer be able to afford him.

The Italian was a controversial figure at Leeds United for two seasons, and by time he left on loan he had just about worn out his welcome.

Bournemouth's Callum Wilson is fouled in the area by Leeds' Giuseppe Bellusci resulting in a penalty for Bournemouth and a sending off for BellusciGiuseppe Bellusci concedes a penalty and is sent off

His unpredictable defending combined with occasionally angry Twitter outbursts saw opinion turn against him.

It had been expected that if Empoli stayed up, Leeds would net at least £1 million for his signature and may be more.

Bellusci’s contract at Leeds runs until 2018, and now they could have to find a new buyer.

Leeds' Giuseppe Bellusci scores an own goal and Middlesbrough's secondLeeds’ Giuseppe Bellusci scores an own goal and Middlesbrough’s second

While some Leeds fans have harshly rejoiced in Bellusci’s misfortunes, others are worried about the bigger picture, and their own club’s off-season becoming even more complicated…