City will lodge a protest with FIFA about the conduct of Willy Topp's club in Chile.

The 21-year-old striker had been offered a two-year deal after impressing during his month's stay at Valley Parade.

But the move has hit the rocks because Universidad Catolica, who own his registration, are refusing to say how much they want for him.

City were originally led to believe that Topp would be available for free. But now his Chilean club have made it clear they are after a fee - though they will not name it.

"We are trying our best but they won't even talk to us," said City joint-chairman Mark Lawn. "The club aren't returning our phone calls or faxes.

"We managed to get hold of the club president but now he is not returning calls. There is nothing we can do.

"With Willy being under 24 there's a compensation fee that has to be paid. We'd be quite willing to do that if we knew what it was but they don't seem to want to tell us.

"We can't sign the lad when it's open-ended like this and you've got the other club refusing to say anything.

"That's why we've got agents on our behalf talking to FIFA about this because it's not acceptable."

City believe privately that the Chilean club want them to sign Topp blind - and then present them with the bill.

Topp, pictured, played in two reserve games, scoring against Coventry's second string in his first match for three months.

He has settled in well with the squad and was hoping to make a permanent switch. But Lawn has not ruled out the possibility of getting him in eventually.

"Willy's head is down which you can understand because he's enjoying it here and wants to sign for us. But we're working on other ways of perhaps getting him to play for us later in the year."

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here