Lincoln manager Peter Jackson admits City's bid to sign striker Adrian Patulea is on the verge of collapse.
The Romanian, 24, impressed during pre-season, but the Imps have been unable to reach an agreement with his current club Petrolul Ploesti.
Jackson told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "They now say they want money down, so at the moment it's unlikely to happen."
Patulea scored four pre season goals for City, including a hat trick in a devastating debut against Lincoln Utd. However Jackson admitted he won't bargain for ever.
"I'll keep trying but we have a cut-off point, and if they don't move we won't so it's a stalemate."
Patulea is still currently training with City.