Gabriel Jesus is ready to put talks over a new contract at Manchester City on ice until the summer after turning down an offer of £90,000 a week.
The Brazil international had looked set to imminently sign fresh terms just before Christmas, but discussions did not progress as quickly as expected.
Jesus, who earns around £65,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium, remains in line to land an improved one-year extension until 2023.
The 20-year-old, however, is thought to have rejected City’s offer of a basic wage of £90,000, with his representatives believing he is deserving of more than £100,000.
It is still anticipated that a compromise will be reached and Jesus will commit his long-term future to the club.
City felt Jesus was deserving of a hike following an encouraging start to life in England when they first proposed negotiations earlier in the season.
He is said to rather focus on winning the title, progressing in the Champions League and concentrate on his first World Cup before circling back to a new contract.