Tianjin Quanjian's bid to sign Diego Costa from Chelsea has been scuppered by new rules in the Chinese Super League, says club owner Shu Yuhui.
Shu claims Tianjin had lined up moves for Spain international Costa, 28, and fellow forwards Karim Benzema, Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani.
But Chinese clubs will only be able to field three foreign players per game when the new season starts.
"This situation has brought a change to our signing plans," said Shu.
Clubs could previously select four foreign players of any nationality and one Asian player in a matchday squad.