Look into the Bona line. They have matte stains. We used the Nordic stain on our white oak. The first coat kept the wood it's natural natural color.

What about clear shellac? It's not completely matte, but it's not plasticky-shiny like polyurethane, and it doesn't yellow. If you don't want to change the color, you don't even need a stain, just a clear finish.

Note on shellac: it's susceptible to white water spots from prolonged contact with a water spill, but it's very easy to fix. Just wipe with alcohol (which dissolves the shellac) and spot-finish with new shellac.

Thank you so much, I will give it a try:)

When we refinished our floors, I looked for something that wouldn't amber or yellow. Bona was the only product I was able to find. They have a clear coat that doesn't amber. Can't recall the name at the moment. It is what we used and the floors did not turn out yellow but a color similar to the sanded look.

I had the same problem when I refinished a table. I can't remember the clear stain that was recommended to me, but I got some great help from someone at Ace Hardware (the people there seem to actually know what they're talking about). "Clear" stain does not necessarily mean "clear"...as it sounds like you've experienced.