Djibril Cisse will not be donning the red of Liverpool in the coming season according to Auxerre president Jean-Claude Hamel.
The French international, heralded as one of Europe's hottest young prospects, has been linked with the Anfield club, on and off, for the past year but Gerard Houllier's attempts to sign him appear to have been stifled yet again.
"It is out of the question that Ciise leaves this summer," Hamel told Liverpool's official website. "Gerard Houllier has been a friend for a long time and nothing prevents us signing an agreement in time.
Cisse (21) has made no secret about his desire to play for Liverpool but says that any move is up to his manager, Guy Roux.
"If the door opens, I will leave," said Cisse. "But if that door doesn't exist, I will be at Auxerre next season. It's the coach who decides but I have already told him of my desire to go elsewhere. And if he does let me go I don't think it will be for a French club. Liverpool interest me."
But Roux has hinted that in time a deal for the player may be a possibility and that the decision to keep him in France is temporary.
"I know that in France deals don't mean anything but in Auxerre when we sign a deal it is to establish links with someone," he said. "I can't and I don't want to say much more now. We will have time to review the situation."
Roux had previously said he would leave the club if Cisse was sold.