Manchester United reportedly remain in talks to sign Louis Page after their move for the Leicester youngster fell through on Deadline Day.
The 18-year-old midfielder emerged as a surprise target for United hours before the summer transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday night, but the two clubs could not reach an agreement on terms of sale. Page then played 90 minutes of the Foxes' 2-0 defeat of Plymouth Argyle the same night, assisting the opener.
Talks ongoing
It had seemed United were prepared to move on, but new reports claim the two clubs remain in talks over Page's transfer.
The Manchester Evening News claims an agreement between the clubs was closer than first thought, but that Leicester had hoped to land a fee higher than the £12.5m package they received when Jeremy Monga joined Manchester City earlier this summer. There was also an expectation Page would have rejoined Leicester on loan this season, had the move gone through.
Deal structure
Crucially, United and Leicester remain in talks as they look to strike a deal. The MEN reports their disagreements came down to the structure of add-ons and terms of payment. Page himself is thought to be keen on the move.
It remains to be seen whether Page would slot into the first team at United, or join up with one of the academy sides. The England youth international is playing regular senior football for Leicester in League One.
Quiet Deadline Day
This ended up being a fairly quiet Deadline Day for United. After adding Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to the squad earlier in the summer, they opted against making late moves despite appearing to require improved defensive depth. Joshua Zirkzee was subject to a late loan proposal from Everton, but this was rejected.
“We went into the window wanting to come out stronger from the group we had last season and we have definitely added to that,” said head coach Michael Carrick last week. “Certainly, the players we have brought into the group absolutely delighted with, think we have done some really good business.”
