Fulham have had their attempts to sign Ricardo Pepi rebuffed officially for a second time after the two sides could not agree on an appropriate deal for the American should he get injured. But what happens next?
Fulham have officially had their latest deal with long-term target Ricardo Pepi ripped up.
Having agreed a £32 million fee for the American with his current side, Dutch runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven, Pepi travelled to London to undergo a medical.
That medical was passed, the deal was about to be done, in fact some sources even reported it as done, but there was to be another twist in the tale.
Fulham and PSV could not agree on who would be responsible for the player if he got injured.
This is of course always important but is of particular importance at this moment, with Pepi having just recovered from a broken arm and still wearing an arm guard to protect him.
It is an ugly end to what seemed like a brilliant signing for the Cottagers, Pepi has 10 goals in 20 matches for PSV this season and looks a perfect Premier League striker.
But what exactly went wrong?
Well, PSV Eindhoven technical director Ernest Stewart told ESPN Netherlands all.
He said: “We were, of course, already in talks with Fulham during the winter break when they came just before the transfer window closed.
“We couldn't bring in a replacement anymore, so at that moment, the transfer couldn't go through.
“But a week later, we got back in talks, and the process got underway.
“That responsibility for the player was a very important detail that always played a role.
“And while we did get a bit closer to each other in that regard, ultimately, we remained too far apart.
“Ricardo really wanted this. It is an unpleasant situation, especially for Ricardo - we are, of course, happy that we are retaining a good striker.”
The saga has far from ended though.
Fulham are likely to return to their quest to sign Pepi for a third time this summer, and the club want to try and get a deal done before the World Cup starts on June 11.
They will not be the only club going in for Pepi, though, with Everton also keen on the American, after both Beto and Thierno Barry have flattered to deceive in the Premier League thus far, while West Ham also retain an interest, should they stay in the Premier League.
So it is a disappointing situation for Fulham fans as we speak, as they thought they had secured their next American superstar, but this story remains one to keep an eye on and it would not be a surprise if The Cottagers were to finally get their man in the summer.