Manchester United are in talks with Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Louis Page. United have already signed three central midfielders in the summer transfer window, but could make it four before Tuesday's 11pm deadline.
Michael Carrick's side have spent a combined £155million this summer to bring in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. Remodelling the midfield was the priority for the club, who may forgo the left-back Carrick also wanted.
United overtake Arsenal in race for Page
It has appeared as though landing competition for Luke Shaw was the only possible incoming deal on deadline day. But United are now in pole position to sign Page from Leicester, having overtaken Arsenal.
The 18-year-old midfielder has progressed from the Foxes' under-21s side to the senior team and has made four appearances for Russell Martin's team this season. He is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there is no agreement in place yet, with Leicester demanding more than £8million for his signature.
Potential loan-back and manager comments
Leicester hosting Plymouth at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night is another potential barrier to the deal being completed in time. As our sister title Manchester Evening News reports, it is possible that Page could be loaned straight back to Leicester if the deal goes ahead. Leicester are playing in League One this season following relegation and United may be happy to see Page getting regular game time, rather than in their under-21s squad.
United have been interested in Page since early August and Leicester boss Martin has already addressed his potential exit. “Louis is a really fantastic young player," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously, I know the director of football [Jason Wilcox] at Manchester United very well after spending some time with Southampton. We haven't actually spoke on Louis because he probably knows what I'd say to him and tell him to go away! Until something comes in that is really brilliant for the club and player and everyone is happy, then Louis stays and he's in the squad. I’m really enjoying working with him, he's a fantastic young player.”
United manager Carrick tried to downplay the possibility of movement on deadline day following the 5-2 thrashing of Ipswich on the weekend. "It's always difficult to say to be honest, when there's so little time left," Carrick said. "I think the business we've managed to do, I'm pleased with - we're a better group, a better squad and potentially a better team. Adding Marcus [Rashford] into that feels like a new signing. In that respect, we're quite happy but we're always hoping that if there's something else to add, I wouldn't shut that down. As it stands, we'll have to wait and see."
