Championship side Birmingham City have reportedly turned down an approach from Shanghai Shenhua to sign their leading goalscorer Marlon King.
Recent speculation had suggested that the Blues were open to the possibility of parting with King in order to ease their wage bill.
However, the Birmingham board have rejected Shanghai's offer for the 32-year-old, according to Sky Sports News.
Shanghai are believed to be in the market for a new striker, having recently lost the services of former Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba to Turkish outfit Galatasaray.
Chinese clubs are permitted to sign new players because their transfer window is still open.