Man Utd still in talks to sign Arsenal target after deadline day blow | Football

Manchester United are still confident of signing Leicester City starlet Louis Page after failing to agree a deal on transfer deadline day.

Focus this summer was on rebuilding in midfield for this season with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all arriving at Old Trafford. But there was also one eye on the future with United beginning talks to sign 18-year-old Page in August.

The England Under-20 international was named the EFL Apprentice of the Year last season and is regarded as one of the brightest talents playing outside the English top flight.

United were in talks with Leicester on the final day of the window, prepared to offer £8million plus add-ons with the possibility of Page remaining on loan at the King Power Stadium for the remainder also discussed.

No deal was struck, however, with Leicester demanding £10million plus £2.5m in add-ons, terms United would not agree to. Page went onto shine in Leicester’s win over Plymouth the same night.

The Manchester Evening News report however lines of communication between United and Leicester remain open with hope a deal will still be agreed.

Arsenal are also interested in Page with United wary of interest from London. But the report adds Page is attracted to the vision and pathway presented to him by United during talks, also having family in Manchester.

Despite the need for reinforcement at left-back, there was no incoming final day transfer activity at Old Trafford.

United spent £150m on their midfield rebuild but fell well short of their rivals in the market with Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all spending at least £100m on a single player.

Carrick however is satisfied with the club’s business.

‘We went into the window wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we’ve definitely added to that,” Carrick told a news conference on Friday.

‘I think we’ve done a lot of good work in that respect. The situation is what it is in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we’re trying to get the most of.

‘I think for what we’ve spent, we’ve certainly made the most of it, without a shadow of a doubt. So, largely pretty happy, yeah.’

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