Leicester City rejected a 'very big offer' from Manchester United for midfielder Louis Page on transfer deadline day, with the 18-year-old starting in the Foxes' 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
Manager Russell Martin confirmed that the club turned down 'a lot of money' from the Red Devils for the England youth international, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford. United had previously seen a bid for Page rejected, and made a second attempt as the deadline approached on Tuesday.
Owner's decision
Speaking after the match, Martin revealed that Leicester's owner, Khun Top, personally decided against selling the teenager. "The owner was here today [and] we sat in the office and received a very big offer from Manchester United," he said, via LeicestershireLive.
"Myself, Jon [Rudkin] (chief football officer), James [McCarron] (sporting director) and the owner, Khun Top, sat in [the office] and he said no. So whatever's going on with the noise around the club and all that stuff, he was strong, and he wanted the player to stay and be part of us."
Page impresses on the pitch
Despite the transfer speculation, Page was included in the starting line-up for the League One game at the King Power Stadium. It was his third consecutive start in all competitions, and he provided an assist for Leicester's opening goal in the win over the Pilgrims.
Martin praised the teenager's impact: "It would have been so easy for him to sell Louis and take a lot of money. But he didn't. It's a brilliant thing for us. Louis, you can see the level of quality and potential he possesses is amazing."
Reported fee speculation
Reports suggested that any potential agreement could have included a clause sending Page back to Leicester on loan for the remainder of the season. While the precise figure of United's final bid remains unclear, LeicestershireLive indicates that the overall package may have reached as much as £23 million.
Martin added: "He's really helped us since coming into the team. Him and Sammy [Braybrooke] have an unbelievable connection and we have to build around these young guys. I'm really grateful that he's still here."
