Freiburg management frustrated Premier League clubs with their stand over Papiss Demba Cisse yesterday.
Both Newcastle United and Sunderland were prepared to meet Freiburg's original asking, but the Germans moved the goal posts in the afternoon to demand £12 million.
Neither Northest club were prepared to go to such a figure and turned their attentions elsewhere.
Frieburg sporting director Dirk Dufner defended their actions: "He's a special player."