Only hours ago, a potential Orlando City SC deal to sign Antonio Nocerino looked on but now? Well quite frankly the Lions’ bid looks dead in the water after the Washington Post claimed Major League Soccer have stepped in on the pursuit.

Reporter Steven Goff notes that the league have ordered City to end their pursuit of the former Italian international because fellow suitors D.C. United boast an exclusive discovery claim, filed in January.

This means that no other clubs can contact or negotiate for Nocerino but as yet, there has been no news off an official complaint from D.C. United.

Only recently, D.C. moved to sign Colorado Rapids midfielder Marcelo Sarvas in a trade agreement and playing in a similar role to the Italian, many Lions supporters believed this was a passageway opening up for a deal to be concluded.

However, it looks as if that was a case of false hope. In all honesty, the Nocerino saga is one many Lions fans seem eager to detach themselves from here on out.

As discussed in our earlier blog post,  many City fans were questioning whether the Italian was even required this summer given the solid establishment of Cristian Higuita and Darwin Cerén in central midfield.

This was not to mention potentially having to meddle with Carlos Rivas and Kaká‘s positioning and roles within the team.

It appeared the only kudos behind a swoop for Nocerino laid in the fact that he could give Adrian Heath’s side greater depth – something that was lacking last season while contributing to the Lions’ mid-season slump that ultimately cost the club a play-off spot.

One thing’s for sure – the whole saga has gotten Orlando City SC Twitter rather worked up and for good reason too! We feel it’s probably best to move on now…

Kinda get the anger, but some have to think this is a blessing in disguise? Nocerino was a risky move in that midfield, some MLS peeps felt.

— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) February 2, 2016

So now that this appears to be done, can we get a CB ? #OCSC

— OC Lions Fan TV (@OCLionsFan_tv) February 2, 2016

MLS needs stronger caliber players to join the league. Telling a player who they have to play for is going to limit that significantly.

— Parramore Pundits (@ParPundits) February 2, 2016

So now #DCU joins #CLB as Orlando City most hated? ?

— City Soccer Talk (@CitySoccerTalk) February 2, 2016