Lincoln's Romanian striker has shunned a new contract with the Imps and they are likely to withdraw the contract offer after not meeting the players wage demands.
Patulea was set a Tuesday deadline to decide his Lincoln future, which was missed.
It comes after speculation on the national press that Scunthorpe are lining up a shock swoop for the 24 year old.
Lincoln Chairman Steff Wright told the Lincoln Echo it was likely Patulea would start the 2009/10 campaign at Sincil Bank because; "the player may have his eye on moving somewhere else."