Carlos Tevez's hopes of leaving Manchester City before Tuesday's transfer deadline could be over after AC Milan put their pursuit on hold until summer.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani announced on Friday night the club were dropping their interest in signing the Argentinian in the current transfer window after completing a deal for Maxi Lopez from Catania.
Galliani told Milan Channel the Italian champions had set a deadline of 1900 local time for a final decision and said: "At 1830 I was convinced we were very close to sealing the Tevez deal. I did my best, it was a day where I had my heart in my mouth, but no more could be done. We had everything set for Tevez to come, but the situation changed."
But he added: "Today was still very important because we have solved some misunderstandings of recent days with City, relations are much improved.
"But, patience - life goes on. The market will reopen in four months - we'll see."
Tevez has been in Argentina without City's permission since November hoping to secure a move away and has not played since September.
City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said this week the player would not be sold below the club's valuation, which is believed to be around £25million.
Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian admitted earlier on Friday the prospect of a return to City was growing because no club had made an offer acceptable to City.
Joorabchian told talkSPORT: "We've been in negotiations with three big clubs. I don't think anyone has reached the numbers City were hoping for.
"At the moment it looks like Carlos will remain at City until this summer."
Source: PA
