Dundee United have dropped their interest in Darwen-born striker Chris Porter.
The 23-year-old has held off from signing a new contract at Oldham and was available on a free transfer, providing he moved outside England.
He would have to wait until turning 24 before moving for free within England, but a loophole in transfer regulations meant he was eligible for a no-fee move to Scotland.
United had given Porter until last night to make a decision on his future, and after receiving no word from the striker who hit 22 goals in Coca-Cola League One last season they have decided to look elsewhere.
Oldham had expressed dismay upon learning of the loophole, which was also exploited by United's Clydesdale Bank Premier League rivals Hibernian earlier this summer.
Hibernian recruited striker Clayton Donaldson on a free transfer from York, after the KitKat Crescent side rejected six-figure bids from English clubs for the 23-year-old.
Oldham managing director Simon Corney has urged Porter, whose contract expires at the end of June, to show loyalty to the Latics.
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