Warrington Wolves have been told that they will have to wait until the end of the season to sign Parramatta Eels half-back Chris Sandow.
Wolves head coach Tony Smith confirmed on Wednesday that the Super League club were interested in signing the 26-year-old Australian.
Reports had suggested that Warrington were eager to bring the player to the Halliwell Jones Stadium before the end of the current campaign, but Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has revealed that they will have to remain patient.
"It's hard to release any player at this time of the year," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I have to do what's best for this team and this club and that's keeping our squad intact and moving forward. We can't be affording to pay players to play at other clubs.
"His attitude is good. He trains well and he's been playing well, he's a competitor and I'm sure that he doesn't want to let his team-mates down and I'm sure he'll have that attitude on Friday night (against Canterbury Bulldogs)."
Warrington are back in action tonight when they host St Helens in Super League.