Felipe Santana's proposed move from Schalke 04 to FC Koln has broken down after the defender failed a medical.
Santana had been closing in on a permanent exit from the Veltins Arena having spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympiacos.
However, Koln general manager Jorg Schmadtke revealed that Santana's fitness was an issue, and that the club are now exploring other defensive options.
"Given the facts, we have decided against signing Felipe Santana," Schmadtke told the club's official website.
"We currently have only one central defender in training with Dominic Maroh so we think it makes sense to strengthen in this department, if we can find a player who is immediately available to us.
"Santana would have had to rest for three weeks and then catch up on what he would have missed, so we're already checking other options."
Koln did complete one signing earlier today, however, as Serbian international midfielder Milos Jojic joined from Borussia Dortmund.
Barney Corkhill
