Dundalk tried to sign Troy Parrott on loan before the start of the League of Ireland season - and Tottenham were open to sending the Ireland international to Oriel Park.
But a peculiar UEFA red-tape dilemma, as well as a growing injury list at the Premier League club,prompted a rethink.
Talks between the two clubs were progressing until Tottenham decided that Parrott, 18, wouldn’t be going anywhere at all.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho does not believe Parrott is ready to play for their first-team despite high profile injuries to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
But to be registered in their Champions League squad, Parrott had to be two years with the club.Leaving on loan in the January window would have broken that by a month so the Dubliner was forced to stay put.
Charlton Athletic, QPR and Dutch side ADO Den Haag - managed by Alan Pardew - were also keen to snare the rising star of Irish football on loan.
But Dundalk’s ambitious bid wasn’t shot down and promoted further exploratory talks with the London giants.
Parrott’s failure to move anywhere appears to have cost him a role in Ireland’s Euro 2020 playoff mission in Slovakia next month.
Mick McCarthy has already warned the striker - who made his senior debut against New Zealand in November - that he won’t be considered due to a lack of games.
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