Man Utd in 'advanced talks' for talented England youngster who is 'keen' on move

Manchester United are in "advanced talks" to sign one of England's most talented young midfielders who is keen on a move to Old Trafford.

Louis Page, 18, is an exciting prospect and has singled out United as the club he wants to join amid interest also from Arsenal and Aston Villa.

He has signalled he wants to leave Leicester City this summer and although still very young he already has first team experience.

And for United he fits in perfectly with United's new model of buying young players with plenty of potential.

What makes Page particularly interesting is that he is not simply an academy prospect.

The midfielder has already played more than 20 senior games for Leicester despite only turning 18 in July.

He broke into the Foxes' first team last season and made 18 Championship appearances during a difficult campaign which ultimately ended in relegation.

His performances were enough to earn him the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season award, while Leicester also recognised him as their Development Squad Player of the Season.

Page is regarded as a versatile midfielder capable of operating in several roles.

His natural game is that of a box-to-box No.8, combining close control with a strong physical presence and the ability to carry the ball through midfield.

He can also operate deeper as a No.6, giving him the flexibility to adapt to different tactical demands.

That versatility would be particularly useful at United, where Michael Carrick is attempting to build a midfield capable of changing shape during matches.

Page fits into the INEOS strategy perfectly, where they are avoiding the mistakes of recent years of buying expensive players on huge salaries.

The club have increasingly targeted young players who have already demonstrated their ability at senior level rather than relying solely on potential. Page fits that model perfectly.

He has come through Leicester's academy, represented England at youth level and already gained valuable Championship experience.

United's interest in him also dates back further than the current transfer window, with reports earlier this year claiming director of football Jason Wilcox had been personally involved in efforts to recruit Page from Leicester.

There is another factor potentially working in United's favour. Leicester's relegation has left the club facing another season in League One, while their young players are attracting interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid.

United have already shown a willingness to exploit similar situations when opportunities arise. For Page, a move to Old Trafford would represent a significant step forward, but the challenge would be finding a pathway into first-team football.

If United complete the deal, Page would join an increasingly impressive group of young players being assembled at Carrington.

JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites, Chido Obi and Cristian Orozco are among the youngsters competing for a route into Carrick's senior squad, while United have also brought in Tynan Thompson from Tottenham.