Kell Brook "wastes my time", claims Jessie Vargas, who insists that negotiations to agree a fight have come to nothing.
Two-weight world champion Vargas steps up to super-welterweight against Humberto Soto on Saturday morning at 2.30am, live on Sky Sports, but has set his sights on fighting in the UK.
"Kell Brook? We've tried to negotiate a fight between he and I but, for some reason, he just wastes my time," Vargas told Sky Sports.
"So I'm not trying to get into negotiations again with someone who wastes my time because my time is precious. I'm in the prime of my career so when I negotiate I need to know [the opponent wants to fight] for real.
"Kell Brook doesn't seem like he wants to fight me."
Former IBF welterweight champion Brook was first linked with a fight against Vargas in 2016 but their paths have never crossed.
Vargas added: "I would definitely be interested in a fight with Liam Smith.
"He is a good fighter, he's been in with some of the best. I respect him as a fighter but we can make a good fight.
"I am very interested in fighting in the UK. They get rowdy, they get passionate. I would like to be a part of it.
"If [my promoter Eddie Hearn] wants me to fight in the UK then it will happen.
"I look forward to becoming a three-division champion but first I need to get past Soto. I am in my peak years, I am 29-years-old. I am among the best in the world. I will become world champion once again."
Vargas' only two defeats in 32 fights have come against Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley.
Vargas vs Soto is on the undercard to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai v Juan Francisco Estrada on Saturday morning at 2.30am live on Sky Sports.