Manchester United target Louis Page was left out of Leicester City’s squad for their League One opener against Notts County as speculation continues over the teenager’s future.
United have monitored the highly-rated 18-year-old for several months, with Arsenal and Aston Villa also credited with interest in the midfielder.
Page had featured during Leicester’s pre-season programme and was involved in their Carabao Cup victory last weekend, making his absence from Saturday’s league squad particularly notable.
Man Utd target Louis Page missing for Leicester
According to talkSPORT, Page was not included by Russell Martin for Leicester’s opening League One fixture at Meadow Lane.
The report comes with Premier League interest continuing to surround one of the club’s brightest academy products.
Page was named the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Year last season and has already gained senior experience despite only turning 18 this year.
ReadManUtd previously reported that United football director Jason Wilcox had visited Leicester as the club monitored Page and fellow youngster Jeremy Monga.
There is no confirmation that United have submitted a bid for Page, so his omission should not be treated as evidence that a transfer is imminent.
It is nevertheless a development worth monitoring.
Page signed his first professional Leicester contract last year, meaning the Foxes would be entitled to demand a transfer fee rather than losing him through a compensation agreement.
United’s interest would also fit their continued effort to recruit elite young British talent before values rise significantly.
Michael Carrick has given several academy players opportunities during pre-season, while United have continued recruiting highly-rated teenagers alongside additions designed for the senior squad.
Page now appears to have a decision looming over his immediate future.
If United decide to turn their long-standing interest into a formal approach, his absence from Leicester’s opening league squad will only increase scrutiny around what happens next.
