Atletico Madrid 'will not be increasing their offer for Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani above £12.6million' as talks between the two clubs look set to go down to the wire.
The Spanish club informed PSG and Cavani's representatives that they will not be improving on their initial offer, made on Tuesday, despite the French side wanting more.
French newspaper Le Parisien say this is the latest negotiating stance taken by Atletico, who are standing firm in talks that have dragged on most of the month.
Manager Diego Simeone made signing the Uruguayan, 32, a priority this month, placing pressure on club officials, but the two clubs are struggling to find a common valuation.
Atletico had hoped PSG would seek to cash in on Cavani given he is out of contract in the summer and spending most games on the bench.
Their initial offer was £8.5m but they increased this to £12.6m to try and the deal over the line in good time before the January window closes on Friday night.
Cavani will not be travelling with the PSG squad to their French Cup match with Pau on Wednesday night as he struggles with a groin strain.
But he will hope to be part of the Atletico squad for their derby against Real on Saturday afternoon.
Cavani, who has been linked to Chelsea and Man United this month, has started just four Ligue 1 fixtures this season and none in the Champions League group stage, appearing mainly as a substitute.
But he has scored five goals in all competitions and will no doubt do a job for Atletico, who are without their injured forward Diego Costa.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com