AC Milan could not go the extra mile to land Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel on Monday, it has been revealed.
Witsel has made it clear he wanted to sign for Milan before deadline day, but a deal between clubs could not be settled.
Tuttosport says with Bee Taechaubol's first installment of his €480 million investment was not due until after the market shut, Finninvest pulled back from negotiations for Witsel after spending €86 million during the summer.
However, with Bee's money set to be deposited before Christmas, Milan are expected to try again for the midfielder in January.
Witsel admits leaving Zenit will remain on the agenda this season.