Doubt has been cast on whether Empoli will keep Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci after the club were relegated from Serie A on Sunday.
On the final matchday of the season, Empoli suffered a 2-1 defeat away at already relegated Palermo, while Crotone ran out 3-1 winners over Lazio at home.
Crotone finished in 17th spot with 34 points, while Empoli are 18th with just 32 points, meaning they will be playing Serie B football next season.
Bellusci has been on loan at Empoli from Leeds for the season and the Italian club had been tipped to keep him on a permanent basis.
As a result of Empoli's relegation, there is now doubt over whether the club will sign Bellusci permanently, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
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Bellusci struggled to win over the fans at Leeds and it remains to be seen whether the Whites would be prepared to welcome him back over the summer, or look to ship him elsewhere if Empoli is unavailable as a destination.
The 27-year-old made 33 appearances in Serie A for Empoli this term and picked up a yellow card against Palermo on Sunday.
