Yann M'Vila has told Sunderland that he does not want to join the club in January.
The French midfielder, who spent last season on loan with the Black Cats, had an agreement in place that would see him leave Rubin Kazan for Wearside in the winter transfer window.
However, the 26-year-old has had second thoughts and will no longer be making his way to the Stadium of Light next month.
Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said: "I was contacted this week by Yann M'Vila's representatives, who advised that the player no longer wishes to join Sunderland.
"There was a three-and-a-half-year agreement in place. However, after discussions with the manager we have decided not to enforce the contract.
"Any player that we bring to Sunderland Football Club must be wholly committed. Yann M'Vila will therefore not be joining us in January and we wish him well for the future."