Cape Town - Crystal Palace will have to try again after seeing their latest offer for Mamadou Sakho knocked back by Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The 27-year-old centre-back is keen to continue his career at Selhurst Park after impressing there during a loan spell during the second half of last season.
The Reds are willing to sanction a transfer, but they're holding out for £30 million, with Palace having so far failed to meet their demands.
The Eagles reportedly had two previous bids rejected for the France international, and their third one fell short by £5m.
Palace chairman Steve Parish now has two days in which to structure a package suitable for the Merseysiders before the transfer window closes.
Sakho has not featured for Jurgen Klopp's side since the Europa League clash against Manchester United in March 2016, having fallen out with the German coach during the club's pre-season tour of the United States four months later.