Hibernian manager John Hughes has accused striker Abdessallam Benjelloun of being disrespectful to the Edinburgh club for trying to engineer a transfer.
Egyptian champions Al Ahly this week pulled out of a move for the Moroccan and the 24-year-old has still not joined Hibs for pre-season.
Now Hughes is leaving it to his board to deal with the Benjelloun problem.
"He is not going to mess me about and the players about and the supporters about any more," said Hibs' manager.
Benjelloun joined Hibs after leaving Maghreb Fez in 2006, but he was loaned out to Belgian clubs Charleroi and Roeselare by Hughes' predecessor, Mixu Paatelainen, last season.
And, during the summer, it became clear that the Moroccan international wanted a permanent move from the Scottish Premier League club.
"He was trying to get himself a move to other clubs," Hughes told BBC Scotland.
Everybody needs a second chance in life, but he needs to come back here in the right mind-set
Hibernian manager John Hughes
"He was on websites getting his photo taken signing for the Egyptian club and was not wanting to come back to Easter Road.
"I think he has been disrespectful to the board, to myself, to the players and, most importantly, to the supporters.
"In saying that, when he is himself, he is a talent."
Asked if it was possible that Benjelloun could return to Hibs, Hughes admitted he was leaving that to his board.
"Right now, the message is get yourself back here, get going and everything starts afresh," he said.
"Everybody needs a second chance in life, but he needs to come back here in the right mind-set.
"He was thinking he was getting this big move but it fell through for him.
"All of a sudden, Hibs are always here for him - but no, Hibs will not always be here for him.
"He has to come back here and play for the jersey, play for the badge."
Hughes, meanwhile, was full of praise for Benjelloun's fellow Moroccan, Merouane Zemmama.
The midfielder also spent last season on loan, at Al-Shaab, for family reasons.
"He is a real talent," said Hughes. "The important thing with him is that he has come with the right mind-set.
"He is laughing, joking and has a smile on his face, doing things at training that take your breath away, left foot, right foot.
"Fitness levels are exceptional, he is really rip-torn in terms of his physique, and he is quick.
"So he excites me and I am sure the fans will love to see him coming back."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?