Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits Manchester United have been pushing to sign Rayan Cherki.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest talents in French football, having made six appearances in Ligue 1 and his Champions League debut earlier this season.
And Aulas says United and Real Madrid both tried to snatch the youngster away before he committed his future to the club.
“He's undoubtedly a player who will go to the highest level," Aulas told Telefoot. “That's why we did everything we could to sign him [to a professional contract].
“The two clubs that were interested when we won his faith were Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“We want him to succeed with Lyon. We want to support him and that's why we're trying to move his career on. In years to come, we want him to become not only a leader for our attack, but a leader from the academy."