Manchester United forward Anthony Martial turned down the opportunity to rejoin Lyon on transfer deadline day, according to reports.
Huge question marks now hang over the head of the Frenchman, who is under increasing pressure to retain a starting spot at Old Trafford.
Martial has started the campaign slowly and is yet to find the back of the net, with United's frontline soon to be shaken up by the eagerly anticipated return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sensing his potential availability, Lyon made a late play for the 25-year-old in hope of securing a loan deal for this season, as report L'Equipe.
Lyon found themselves scrambling late in the window and also sounded out Willian and considered free agent Franck Ribery.
Willian cancelled his Arsenal contract in order to move back to his native Brazil with Corinthians, while 38-year-old Ribery was ultimately not contacted by the club, according to the report.
After failing to hijack Willian's return to Brazil, Lyon promptly entered discussions with the entourage of Martial over a temporary move but the French international turned down the opportunity.
Martial began his career with Lyon, progressing through the youth ranks before making a name for himself in Ligue 1.
After just one season in the senior ranks at Lyon Martial was snapped up by Monaco for €5million (£4.2m) plus add-ons.
United quickly came in to sign the forward in 2015 for £35m, rising to £55m, despite him still being a teenager at the time and unproven in European football.
The forward has three years remaining on his United deal, after penning a lucrative new deal keeping him at Old Trafford until 2024 - with the further option of a one-year extension.
Martial has started the season alongside Mason Greenwood and Dan James in the United front line, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is soon expected to ring the changes.
On deadline day James sealed a £30m switch to Leeds United, while veteran forward Edinson Cavani is now also returning to full fitness.
Summer signing Jadon Sancho is being slowly bedded into the side, and was handed his first start in the recent slender 1-0 victory over Wolves.