Frenkie de Jong has reportedly told Manchester United and his Barcelona team-mates that he will not move to Old Trafford this summer.
United are desperate to sign the Dutch midfielder and have had a £63million bid accepted by Barca, but the transfer is still no closer to going through.
That is largely down to de Jong having no desire to make the move, as he is still owed £17million in wages by the Spanish side.
According to Cadena SER, the 25-year-old has informed the Old Trafford hierarchy of his decision and has also spread the word in the Barca dressing room.
It is news that will not please either club. Erik ten Hag is keen to reunite with a player who he managed at Ajax, but may now be forced to look elsewhere as he aims to bolster his midfield.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have made it clear that they wish to sell de Jong this summer as they need to shift him from their wage bill in order to register their new signings with LaLiga.
Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have all arrived at the Nou Camp this summer despite the club's well-documented financial issues, with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde tipped to soon follow.
They may still find a buyer for de Jong, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich other potential suitors.
Sportsmail reported earlier this month that United won't give up the chase for the midfielder, even if it takes until after the new season starts. The transfer window closes on September 1.
The Red Devils accept there may come a point when they will have to accept defeat over signing de Jong and have a number of alternatives in mind, including Premier League stars Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans.
However, ten Hag has made it clear that de Jong is central to his plans so United chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough will make every attempt to get the deal done.