Manchester United remain confident of securing a deal for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page ahead of the January transfer window, despite a deadline-day move collapsing, according to reports. The 18-year-old was the subject of intense late negotiations on September 1, which stalled over a valuation discrepancy, but United are working on structures including a pre-agreement or a buy-and-loan-back option. Arsenal and Aston Villa also retain an interest in the England youth international, who is valued by his club at up to £15 million.
Valuation impasse and proposed structures
The proposed summer transfer collapsed after the clubs reached an impasse over Leicester's valuation. According to reporting by Laurie Whitwell, Leicester were holding out for an initial £12 million fee rising to £15 million with performance-related add-ons. However, discussions have not ceased. Speaking to TeamTalk, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that United are comfortable negotiating a pre-agreement or completing a permanent January transfer that would see the teenager loaned straight back to the East Midlands. This structure would ensure Leicester retain the player for their domestic campaign while guaranteeing United secure one of the country's highly-rated young prospects.
Midfield rebuilding under INEOS
Page broke into the Leicester first team during the 2025/26 season, having previously made his senior debut against Huddersfield Town in August 2025. His profile fits the recruitment blueprint implemented by INEOS, who have systematically overhauled the Manchester United midfield under manager Michael Carrick. United have already invested heavily in the engine room, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos. Securing Page, an England Under-20 international who signed his first professional contract with Leicester in September 2025, would represent a continuation of this youth-focused strategy.
Negotiations remain active as United seek to finalise terms before their Premier League rivals can formalise their interest in January.
