Bristol City have pulled out of a deal to sign Jack Currie with AFC Wimbledon unwilling to sanction the left-back's deadline day departure, Bristol Live understands.
The Robins made a final £600,000 offer with a 20 per cent sell-on clause on Tuesday afternoon but the League Two side wanted to include a loan back clause, which added further complications to the transfer. It also means Jay Dasilva will remain at City for the rest of the season to provide cover for Cam Pring.
Currie was given verbal reassurances that he would be able to leave for BS3 today but the Dons changed their stance on the final day. The 21-year-old turned up to training this morning but wasn't in the right frame of mind to complete the session in the wake of City's offer.
AFC Wimbledon had already generated £1.2million through the sale of Ayoub Assal to Qatari club Al Wakrah this month and therefore felt they can hold off on Currie's sale until the summer. The player also has 18 months left on his contract with the option for an extra year.
Currie's arrival would have ticked all the boxes in regards to following the recruitment strategy of signing young, talented players from the Football League. It also would have provided the opportunity to reduce the wage bill.
Dasilva was set to reunite with Kasey Palmer and assistant manager Adi Viveash, with the duo having worked together at the Chelsea academy. The 24-year-old is one of the highest earners at the club but his contract comes to an end in the summer when the Championship side would be open to returning with a new offer.
AFC Wimbledon's decision not to allow Currie to join City may have soured relations between the two clubs after City loaned Ryley Towler in the first half of the season and striker Sam Pearson earlier this month.
Jake O'Brien will also stay with Belgium side RWD Molenbeek from Crystal Palace after City failed to agree a loan fee with the Premier League side. The central defender was being eyed to provide competition at the back but any interest will have to be revisited in the summer.
Following the arrival of highly-rated attacking midfielder Anis Mehmeti on a three-year-deal from Wycombe, Luton's Harry Cornick will also be confirmed before the 11pm deadline.
City are unlikely to do any more business in regards to incomings while Chris Martin is looking increasingly likely to remain at the club. Despite being available, Bristol Live understands the club have not received any notable offers for his signature.
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