Parma striker Cristiano Lucarelli has pleaded with Livorno president Aldo Spinelli to revive plans to bring him back to the club.
The patron suggested the collapse in talks was down to agent Carlo Pallavicino's behaviour in demanding a signing-on fee.
"I am speechless. I hope the President can change his mind and review his decisions," said Lucarelli on Sky Italia.
"On Friday all I was waiting for was the official word on what time and place I would be presented to the media as a Livorno player.
"The news came in about Pallavicino's fee and I really cannot believe my dream of returning to the Amaranto could disappear because of £40,000."
The matter could yet be resolved, as Pallavicino has offered to forego the signing-on fee entirely.
"Cristiano is like a brother to me and I will do everything I can to give him this dream with Livorno."