Man Utd ‘in talks’ over last-ditch signing that’ll stun Arsenal

Manchester United remain locked in talks with Leicester City over the signing of exciting 18-year-old midfielder Louis Page, but still have work to do to complete a late deal.

The talented teenager has been high on INEOS’ list for several weeks, and reports earlier on deadline day revealed that Man Utd are battling Arsenal for his signature.

INEOS have already splashed £163million on new additions this summer, bringing in Carlos Baleba (£70m), Andrey Santos (£50m), Youri Tielemans (£35m), Tynan Thompson (£8m) and Karl Darlow (free).

The club remain hopeful of signing a new left-back before the window closes at 11pm, too.

But they are still pushing to sign Page, and Sky Sports report that talks with Leicester are ongoing, but the Foxes are holding out for over £8million.

There are concerns that ‘time could be a problem’. Man Utd and Leicester have discussed the possibility of Page being loaned straight to Leicester for this season – but that type of deal would take even longer to negotiate.

Page played all 90 minutes of Leicester’s 0-0 draw with MK Dons at the weekend, and another ‘complicating factor’ is that Leicester face Plymouth in League One tonight, where Page has been expected to be involved.

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Man Utd running out of time for left-back signing

As for Man Utd’s pursuit of a new left-back, things are still proving difficult, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall out of reach barring a major twist.

Michael Carrick’s side intent to reignite a move for Hall next summer and for that reason they’d prefer to bring in a left-back on loan.

The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell and Cerys Jones have given their latest update on where Man Utd are with signing a new left-back before the deadline.

Whitwell and Jones wrote in The Athletic: “Left-back is an area that has been discussed in depth. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall of Newcastle United — both of whom were also seen as possibly offering cover in midfield — were linked to Old Trafford earlier in the window.

“Both have started their clubs’ opening two Premier League games, though, and their respective managers have publicly ruled out moves.

“Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been another option. However, as The Athletic reported, United’s caution over spending meant their interest was primarily in a loan deal, whereas Barca would want a permanent sale if he were to leave. Balde was an unused substitute in a 5-2 win against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, but is willing to fight for his place.

“Another option was Jorge Salinas of fellow La Liga side Racing Santander. However, Atletico Madrid are in talks for the 19-year-old, who has a €16million release clause in his contract. Ian Maatsen, the 24-year-old Aston Villa left-back, also came into United’s thinking.”

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