Manchester United have made significant deadline-day progress in their pursuit of Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, with a deal for the highly-rated teenager potentially worth more than £10million.
United have tracked Page throughout the summer and held talks over a move earlier in the window, but negotiations have accelerated with only hours remaining before the transfer deadline.
The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that United have made “swift progress” in talks with Leicester, with the 18-year-old potentially moving to Old Trafford for a fee exceeding £10m.
Man Utd accelerate Louis Page talks
Page has been on United’s radar for several weeks.
ReadManUtd first reported on 9 August that United were working on a deal for the Leicester midfielder, with Arsenal and Aston Villa also showing interest.
United were attempting to advance negotiations at that stage, but no agreement followed.
The situation has now moved significantly closer to a conclusion.
Delaney reports that discussions between United and Leicester have progressed quickly on deadline day, although there is not yet confirmation of a completed agreement.
Arsenal have also retained an interest in the England youth international, meaning United still have reason to move quickly if they want to complete the transfer before the window closes.
Louis Page fits Man Utd transfer strategy
Page only turned 18 this summer but already has significant senior experience.
He made his breakthrough for Leicester during their relegation season in the Championship and has continued to feature following their drop into League One.
Leicester’s official website shows Page involved in their senior side again this season, including appearances during the opening weeks of the campaign.
The midfielder was also named the Championship Apprentice of the Season following his breakthrough campaign.
United’s pursuit fits their wider strategy of recruiting highly-rated young players before their valuations increase further.
Michael Carrick has already seen his midfield transformed this summer through the arrivals of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Page would represent a longer-term investment rather than another player expected to immediately command a starting position.
Man Utd face deadline-day race
Time is now the biggest obstacle.
Leicester are preparing for their League One fixture against Plymouth Argyle on Monday evening, while United must complete any transfer before the 11pm deadline.
Ben Jacobs has also reported that negotiations remain active and described United as facing a race against time to complete the permanent deal.
That makes the latest development considerably stronger than the earlier stage when Page’s Leicester absence merely increased speculation around his future.
United have been patient during the final days of the window rather than forcing expensive senior additions.
Page now provides an opportunity to finish the summer with another highly-rated English prospect, but the clubs still have work to do before the deadline.
