Man Utd transfer news: Page negotiations ongoing but fullback plans set to fail

Manchester United are in negotiations to bring in midfielder Louis Page but they are set to missing out on a fullback signing.

The clock is ticking down on deadline day and United are hoping to bring in the Leicester City youngster to further boost the middle of the pitch.

United are cautious about their chances of completing a deal before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline, although negotiations are continuing over a move that could cost in excess of £10 million.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders outside the Premier League and United are attempting to add him to their growing collection of talent in the middle of the pitch.

It would represent another investment in midfield during a summer in which United have already prioritised rebuilding that area of Michael Carrick's squad.

Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have already arrived and made their debuts, while £70m signing Carlos Baleba is expected to miss the next couple of weeks with a minor ankle problem.

Page made his first-team debut for Leicester in August 2025 and has quickly established himself as one of the most promising products of the club's academy.

Despite being only 18, he has already made 25 senior appearances.

He was named in Leicester's starting line-up for their League One fixture against Plymouth on Tuesday as talks between the clubs continued.

United's interest underlines their willingness to continue investing in young talent, even after a significant summer of spending on established midfielders.

Page can carry the ball through the lines and make things happen in the final third with his passing.

He combines physicality with technical ability and has shown an impressive maturity despite his age.

There is no certainty over what United's immediate plans for him would be, particularly given the depth now available to Carrick in midfield. But the teenager is viewed as a player with significant potential.

While United continue to pursue Page, supporters hoping for a late move for a left-back are likely to be disappointed.

Sources have suggested that United are not expected to add a defender in that position before the deadline.

The situation is particularly interesting given the number of players United have been linked with.

Alejandro Balde has been discussed as a possible target, but the Barcelona defender wants to remain at the Nou Camp. Barcelona would also be reluctant to lose the 22-year-old, making a deadline-day move highly complicated.

Lewis Hall would represent another attractive option, but Newcastle are unlikely to entertain selling one of their most important young players to a Premier League rival.

Myles Lewis-Skelly also fits the profile of the type of player United could admire. However, Arsenal have every reason to keep hold of the highly-rated youngster and would be extremely reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.

United's deadline day had been relatively quiet, particularly following the arrival of Baleba.

There had been expectations that Joshua Zirkzee could leave Old Trafford, with Juventus exploring a possible move.

However, that transfer has failed to materialise and the Dutch forward is increasingly likely to remain part of Carrick's squad.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Harry Amass and whether the young full-back could still leave before the window closes.