Having agreed a fee of £3.25m with the Craven Cottage club, the Golden Boys boss had been prepared to push the boat out and meet John's £20, 000 a week wage demands, but the Dutch striker has decided against joining a side struggling against relegation.
"I've spoken to his representatives and he said at this point in time it's a no," said Boothroyd.
"I think there is still some hope but I'm looking at other options.
We need some more (players) because we haven't got enough depth. It would be a lot easier (to attract players) if we were at the top of the league but that's where I come in.
I've got to try and persuade people to come here and sell them the vision we have for 2010. Players who come here develop."