Manchester United’s deadline-day move for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page is set to collapse after the clubs reached an impasse over the 18-year-old’s valuation.
United had made rapid progress in negotiations earlier on Monday over a permanent deal worth more than £10million, but the two clubs have been unable to bridge the remaining financial gap.
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic reports that Leicester were looking for around £12million guaranteed with a further £3million in potential add-ons, taking the overall package to £15m. United’s proposed move is now expected to be called off.
Louis Page Man Utd move breaks down
The development represents a dramatic turnaround from only a few hours earlier.
ReadManUtd reported on Monday afternoon that United had made significant progress in their attempt to sign Page, with talks accelerating ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Independent had reported that a deal could be worth more than £10m as United attempted to complete one final addition to Michael Carrick’s squad.
However, Leicester’s valuation appears to have prevented an agreement.
Football365, carrying Whitwell’s latest update, reports that the proposed transfer is now expected to be called off, with Leicester seeking a package that could rise to £15m.
Page is therefore expected to remain with Leicester unless there is another significant change before the deadline.
Man Utd interest in Louis Page has lasted all summer
United’s pursuit of Page has stretched across much of the transfer window.
ReadManUtd first covered talks between United and Leicester in early August, with Arsenal also monitoring the England youth international.
Page was viewed as a longer-term midfield investment following the senior arrivals of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The 18-year-old’s age and development profile made him an obvious fit for United’s wider recruitment strategy, but the club appear unwilling to meet Leicester’s final valuation simply to force the deal through on deadline day.
That stance would be consistent with United’s more cautious approach during the closing stages of the window.
Baleba could remain final major Man Utd signing
Unless United revive negotiations in the final hours, Page now looks increasingly unlikely to become their final summer addition.
United have already spent heavily rebuilding Carrick’s midfield, with Baleba arriving from Brighton after Tielemans and Santos were also added earlier in the window.
ReadManUtd has also covered United’s deadline-day stance on Joshua Zirkzee, with the club comfortable retaining the forward rather than forcing a late departure.
That suggests United are prepared to walk away from deals where the financial terms do not suit them.
Page appeared to be a realistic final-day opportunity only hours ago.
The gap between United and Leicester has now left that move on the verge of collapsing.
