Jamaica international Rudolph Austin has been denied a work permit to join Stoke City.
The Potters have been trying to sign the Jamaica international for the past 18 months and, after two previous failed attempts, were confident of finally being able to conclude a deal in time ahead of their season opener at Bolton on August 16.
Tony Pulis attended his hearing on Friday along with chief executive Tony Scholes and director of football John Rudge and the City boss revealed after Saturday's friendly win over Shrewsbury that Austin was denied a permit.
The Premier League new boys are refusing to give up, though, and are now talking to their lawyers to determine whether the transfer could yet go-ahead.
Pulis said on the club's official website: "Unfortunately the ruling didn't go for us, and myself and everybody else at the football club are massively disappointed.
"I believe Rudolph is going to be an exceptional player, so to have worked 18-months trying to get him is disappointing.
"He is obviously upset by it, but he is a great lad and he will make sure it doesn't affect him.
"We are looking down all the avenues to see what the next step is, but I am disappointed the ruling hasn't gone for us."