The shock reason why Paris Saint-Germain refused to go after Jude Bellingham before he signed for Real Madrid has now reportedly been revealed.
The 20-year-old has taken LALIGA by storm on the back of his €103 million (R2 billion) move from Borussia Dortmund to Los Blancos in July.
Read: SCANDAL: Real Madrid starlets arrested over explicit WhatsApp video
Bellingham is currently the Spanish top flight's top goalscorer with five strikes in four games, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record of scoring in his first four matches at the club.
However, prior to being swooped up by Real, the England international drew a lot of interest from many top clubs across Europe, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich having been linked with his signature.
PSG, however, did not make a serious attempt to sign the Three Lions star, concentrating on bringing in defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte in that time instead.
Stand A Chance To Win 1 Of 4 Pairs Of Oakley Sunglasses!
It is now reported that the French giants were open to the prospect of signing Bellingham, only for sporting advisor Luis Campos to have other ideas.
According to Le Parisien, Campos was asked if he wanted the highly-rated playmaker to be recruited, but he responded by saying that PSG already have a player who is at the same level as the ex-BVB talisman.
The footballer in question is said to be 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery, who had a breakout season for Les Parisiens in the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite his young age, Zaire-Emery, who has started every game under new manager Luis Enrique so far this season, already represents France's U21 side, and was handed the captain's armband by new head coach Thierry Henry during the recent international break.
After making him the youngest Les Bleus U21 captain in 30 years, Henry told Le Parisien: "One can say it's early for him to be a starter at PSG and the captain of France U21.
"I have no problem with it.
"We know very well what he can do.
"I wanted to see what he was made of and he responded well."
Read: OPINION: Footballers should be allowed to use testosterone
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: