Manchester City threw everything at trying to sign Barcelona whiz Lamine Yamal over the summer.
Radio Marca says City made a major attempt to convince Barca to sell the 16 year-old superkid.
City were prepared to pay what was needed to sign Yamal, but Barca stood firm.
Enric Masip, president Joan Laporta's advisor, acknowledged in statements to Esport 3 that there was a team that asked about the teen.
"Lamine Yamal and Balde have been in a serious situation to leave this summer because there is a club that tried to 'catch them'," he commented.
Barca sports director Deco also stated this week: "He is a player who has surprised us. He has his feet on the ground. He has a different quality. Today we are going through an important situation for the club.
"There are many young protagonists. He is 16 years old and we have to let him have fun. The coach will know how to treat him and may his growth be continuous."