Coventry City manager Chris Coleman has accused Sammy Clingan's agent of sinking a deal to bring the Norwich midfielder to the Ricoh Arena.
The Northern Ireland international, 25, would have been the Sky Blues' first signing of the close season.
Coleman told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire: "I advised the chairman not to pay the agent.
"He's done nothing for the player. We didn't get the player because of the agent and that's unfortunate."
Clingan has attracted interest from other clubs following Norwich's relegation to League One last season and was left out of the Canaries' squad for their pre-season tour of Scotland.
Coleman also added that while he is desperate to keep hold of his key players like Danny Fox, Keiren Westwood and Aron Gunnarsson, he is also realistic in the wake of the departure of Scott Dann to neighbours Birmingham.
He said: "We know what's just happened with Scotty Dann.
"I would never lie to the supporters. If there was a massive bid for one of those players the odds are they'll be out the door."
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