Manchester United and Inter Milan have shown serious interest in AS Saint-Étienne's Paul Aimard.
is according to But! football clubWhich cover the failures of both Manchester United and the Serie A side to sign the 18-year-old.
He left Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne as a free agent in 2022 to become part of Saint-Étienne's youth system. Aimard progressed through the ranks and forced his way into the first team at the start of this season.
Manchester United and Inter Milan offered
The midfielder has played 390 minutes in seven matches so far, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was also a regular for France U17 between 2024 and 2025. Aimard's performances and potential may have attracted the attention of Manchester United and Inter Milan.
According to the report, both the Red Devils and Nerazzurri submitted offers to secure his services.
However but! The football club says the player 'rejected offers' from both clubs to sign his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne in January.
His decision to ignore Manchester United and Inter Milan in favor of remaining at the Ligue 2 team was a 'bold but calculated choice'.
Reasons for rejecting top clubs
The outlet has also aired Ayred's comments on rejecting bigger clubs to continue with Saint-Étienne.
"I tell myself that I still have a long way to go and that I have many obstacles to overcome. There are countless players who were seen as great prospects but did not succeed, and some of them were definitely stronger than me." He said.
"Just because people are starting to talk a lot about me, because big clubs are showing interest, doesn't mean I'm going to be successful."
"I need to prove myself at the professional level and then we will see. My squad, my agent and even the club are supporting me so that I don't get disappointed."
"I decided to sign my first professional contract with ASSE because it is the club that trained me, so it is a natural step in my development. I have to start there, with the club I love and support."
"It's too early to talk about big European clubs. I don't want to rush things. ASSE has also given me a project where I will work with professionals on a daily basis, which is a big plus. Overall, the club is ambitious and constantly evolving. And then there are always the supporters and all their enthusiasm."
