Stoke have sent striker Michael Smith back to Darlington after failing to see enough in the youngster to offer him a deal at this time.
Smith, 20, spent a week training with the Potters academy side before joining up with the first team when they arrived back from Austria.
The North-east born hitman played 45 minutes for City in last Wednesday's 6-0 win over Newcastle Town, setting up the only goal of the first half, but failed to get himself in the squads for last weekends trips to Brentford and Aldershot.
Darlington boss Mark Cooper has indicated he believed City were preparing a bid but says he has now been told Stoke want to keep an eye on his progress over the coming season.
The six foot five inch striker will now hope to progress over the coming months and catch the Potters eye once more.