Alexander Buttner's proposed move to Southampton is in danger of collapse, according to his current club Vitesse Arnhem.
The Saints struck a deal for the defender last week and expected the completion of his transfer to be a formality.
The move has hit a stumbling block, though, with a third party having entered the negotiations.
Vitesse fear talks could now break down, dashing Buttner's dreams of securing a switch to the Premier League.
"The transfer of Alexander Buttner to Southampton is uncertain," read a statement released on Vitesse's official website.
"Last Friday, Vitesse reached an agreement with the Premier League side for the transfer of Buttner.
"As Buttner had already agreed personal terms, it was expected that a medical was the only thing that could block the deal.
"Over the weekend the player let us know through his agent that there was an additional demand from a third party.
"Vitesse have told the player that it won't be meeting this demand, as this has arrived after talks have been completed and Vitesse refuse to be put under pressure.
"Vitesse are disappointed at the current state of affairs, especially because negotiations with Southampton were opened on the demand of the player.
"Southampton FC has played everything correctly and don't take any blame in the undermining of this transfer.
"Vitesse have also done everything to get this deal pushed through."
