AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani has revealed that his club dropped their interest in Carlos Tevez after Alexandre Pato decided to stay in Italy.
Milan had already agreed personal terms with Tevez and the deal was expected to be completed before the January transfer window slammed shut.
However, Galliani has revealed that a deal to bring Tevez to the San Siro was dependent on Pato moving to French side Paris Saint Germain. The Brazilian forward has now confirmed he plans to stay with the Rossoneri, meaning Milan can no longer make a move for Manchester City's Tevez.
"I won't talk about Pato's refusal to join PSG, but he wants to remain with Milan", he told Sky Italia.
"He was thinking about this for a few days, but the two operations were bounded between themselves and both had various clauses.
"I believe in fate and remember that when Gianluca Vialli said no, then we brought in Marco Van Basten. If Pato wants to remain, then we hope he will do well with Milan.
"We have the utmost faith in the strikers at our disposal, also trusting in Antonio Cassano's swift return, as he will become our big new signing."
Inter Milan are now thought to be the only club interested in signing Tevez in the current transfer window.
However, Galliani would not be drawn on the transfer plans of AC Milan's rivals and neighbours, but did hint his side could resurrect their interest in the Argentine if the situation changes.
"Will Tevez go to Inter? I have considered this as a possibility, but prefer to keep it to myself. I am in any case very happy that Pato has made this decision," he added.
"I do know what is happening with Tevez, but don't want to comment right now. Will we call Manchester City again? We'll see."