Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has turned down the club's offer of a contract extension, increasing the likelihood that he will seek a transfer in the summer.
The Dutchman asked to leave last June when Valencia made a club record offer for his services, although Hamburg coach Huub Stevens vetoed the deal.
He has since been in impressive form as Hamburg challenge at the top of the Bundesliga table, but the 24-year-old has now refused to commit his long-term future to the club.
"I am not signing," he told the Bild newspaper. "I will not extend my contract."
Van der Vaart is still tied to the northern Germany club until 2010, although this latest development casts more doubt over his future, with Juventus reportedly showing an interest.
The Turin-based side are believed to be keen on signing him this winter, although Van der Vaart does not expect to leave just yet.
"This does not mean that I am already gone," he added.
"I still dream to play for a top club and if I were to tie myself to HSV until 2012, that would be too long for me."
"It was really hard to say no. The HSV offer was very good and the club tried everything, really everything to keep me in the long term."