Saint-Etienne managed to tie down youngster Paul Eymard to a professional contract in January after fighting off interest from European giants Manchester United and Inter Milan.
Manchester United are always on the lookout for fresh talent to enhance the club’s chances of long-term success.
Ineos are in the process of rebuilding the squad after arriving at Old Trafford in 2024 and taking control of football operations.
There has been a focus on shifting the club’s strategy in terms of recruitment, with United chiefs prioritising moves for young talent, as seen previously with signings such as Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu.
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United have already agreed a deal to sign Cristian Orozco ahead of the summer. The Colombian youngster will complete his transfer at the end of the season after turning 18.
That is further proof that United are still on the lookout for young gems.
Paul Eymard turned down Man Utd proposal in January
United want to ensure that they get the best young players at Carrington to develop and form a pathway into the first team.
It remains to be seen if youngsters like Chido Obi or Sekou Kone will fulfil their promise, but they’re already at United, which is something the club will want to take advantage of in the coming years.
Saint-Etienne youngster Paul Eymard reportedly caught United’s attention in the January transfer window before opting to agree terms over a professional contract to remain at the French club.
Eymard departed Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne to join Saint-Etienne as a free agent in 2022.
The 18-year-old has played just 390 minutes in seven senior appearances, scoring two goals and registering an assist.
He was also a regular for France U17 and will have aims of earning a senior cap in the coming years.
According to But! Football Club, United and Inter Milan submitted proposals to sign Eymard in January. It is understood that the player turned down both proposals in favour of staying at the Ligue 2 outfit.
United have no other choice but to dust themselves off and look for another potential gem in the market.
There are no guarantees with any of these signings, but it is worth noting that United’s interest in Eymard was hardly reported at the time.
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Paul Eymard explains why he signed Saint-Etienne deal
The French publication cites quotes from Eymard explaining why he wanted to stay at Saint-Etienne and wait for a move to a bigger club.
Eymard prioritised his own development by staying in France, but he hasn’t ruled out a further move across Europe.
“I tell myself that I still have a long way to go and that I have many hurdles to overcome,” Eymard said.
“There have been countless players like this, who were touted as great prospects but didn’t make it, and some of them were surely stronger than me.
“Just because people are starting to talk about me a lot, because big clubs are showing interest, doesn’t mean I’m going to succeed.
“I need to prove myself at the professional level and then we’ll see. My entourage, my agent and even the club are supporting me so that I don’t burn out.
“I decided to sign my first professional contract with ASSE because it’s the club that trained me, so it’s 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 the big European clubs. I mustn’t rush things. ASSE also presented me with a project where I’ll be working with the 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.”
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