Out-of-favour Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz appears to have snubbed a loan move to Lazio because he wants a permanent deal.
The 29-year-old Paraguayan does not feature in the plans of Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini and the Premier League title contenders want to make room for Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko.
Talks have been taking place with Lazio regarding Santa Cruz, who was signed by former City boss Mark Hughes, but the Italian Serie A club claim a six-month loan now appears unlikely.
"We take into account Santa Cruz's reaction and his desire to make any transfer permanent," Lazio president Claudio Lotito is quoted as saying by Italian media.
"We are aware of this and consider it a wise decision for him. It's no coincidence that Lazio seek a strong rapport with their players and therefore understand his questions and ambitions."
Meanwhile, Lotito insists that Romanian defender Stefan Radu is not for sale amid reports of interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona.
He said: "As for Stefan Radu, he is not for sale."
