SAM Allardyce admitted today that his decision to ditch plans to sign Artim Sakiri is a bodyblow to the Macedonian international.
The Wanderers' boss was preparing to lodge an appeal against Home Office refusal to grant the 28-year-old winger a work permit but, after long deliberations, has now decided not to pursue his interest.
"It was a hard decision to take because he really had built his hopes up about joining us," Allardyce said. "He is a good player and was available at a good price."
Sakiri's dream move to the Reebok in a £250,000 deal from Slovenian club Gorica was blocked because Macedonia are outside the top 70 of footballing nations.
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