Perth Glory's chances of snaring Bruno Fornaroli appear dead in the water after Andy Keogh expressed his desire to stay in Perth.
Melbourne City were exploring the prospect of a blockbuster trade that would have seen them send Fornaroli to Glory in a straight swap for Keogh.
Fornaroli's hefty pay packet was already shaping to be a major stumbling block, while City were also hesitant to send the star attacker to a title rival.
The final nail on the head could be Keogh's preference to stay in Perth, where he is settled with an extended family.
"I see my future here, I'm settled in Perth with my family and have enjoyed my time in WA over the past four-and-a-half years," Keogh told Back Page Football on Thursday.
"I'm close to finalising my Australian citizenship and have built up a good relationship with the passionate fans who have always been great to me through the good and the bad.
"They're also my harshest critics which is great because it pushes me to perform even better."
Fornaroli hasn't played since round four after falling out with coach Warren Joyce.
Keogh has been in strong form this season, netting seven goals in 12 games.
The 32-year-old will be back in action in Sunday's home clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.
"I'm in form at the moment, enjoying my football and loving the new regime under Tony Popovic," Keogh said.
"The team has been performing consistently and I'm happy to have contributed more to that this season, long may it continue."
Australian Associated Press
