Lokomotiv Moscow's hopes of signing Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan have suffered a blow as Italian side Udinese have pulled out of the deal.

"The striker Udinese targeted to replace me did not sign for them," Gyan told BBC Sport on Saturday.

"I've been told I will now have to stay in Italy for the rest of the season."

The 21-year-old was on the verge of signing a three-year deal with Lokomotiv for US$10.5m, the fourth largest in Russian football history.

"I don't know if Lokomotiv would still be interested in me next season," Gyan added.

" I don't know if Lokomotiv will be interested in me next season " Asamoah Gyan

Gyan has scored three goals for the mid-table Serie A club Udinese this season, after returning from two seasons on loan at Modena.

But it was at the last World Cup finals in Germany in June where he began to attract the interest of clubs in Russia.

He scored the third minute goal which set the Black Stars on their way to a thrilling 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic in Germany.

Gyan also marked his Ghana debut in November 2003 with a goal against Somalia and went on to score four times in seven matches during the World Cup qualifying campaign.