Man United close to £10m deal for Leicester’s Louis Page

The 31-year-old will not be leaving Old Trafford despite Turkish outfit Galatasaray’s interest, with the Manchester club determined to keep their captain through the remaining fortnight of the window. Fernandes had previously chosen to spurn Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal last summer to extend his stay, though he caused controversy in December when implying United were pushing him towards that switch. Earlier this year, Barcelona midfielder Gavi also rejected a move to the red half of Manchester, with United willing to meet the £35m asking price. The 22-year-old, who joined the Catalan club at 11 and made his debut in 2021, is contracted until 2030. Earlier negotiations involving a possible deal for Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias involved scouts providing positive assessments, though no official proposals have been submitted yet. Efforts to acquire Everton playmaker Iliman Ndiaye could demand at least £70m, as David Moyes remains resistant to selling the 26-year-old. Meanwhile, the Old Trafford outfit are working on securing Leicester City’s 18-year-old midfielder Louis Page for approximately £10m plus extras, and are in discussions with West Brom regarding Toby Collyer’s potential permanent departure. The 22-year-old, who spent part of last term on loan at the Midlands club before injury curtailed his spell, has under a year remaining on his contract. United have also received an approach from Barcelona regarding Marc Casado, a 22-year-old defensive midfielder available for roughly £25m after being deemed expendable by Hansi Flick. Carrick’s side continue exploring options at left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall their preferred choice, though the Magpies are reluctant to sanction a sale. Should negotiations fail, alternatives include RB Leipzig’s David Raum, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas, and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. The Reds might sanction Harry Amass’s departure to finance a potential move for Salinas, the 19-year-old left-back. Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic, valued at €22m, is also under consideration as Carrick looks to strengthen his attack, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Joshua Zirkzee. Elsewhere, United could face competition from Chelsea and various Saudi Arabian clubs for Manu Kone, with Borussia Monchengladbach valuing the 25-year-old French international at around £42.9m after recently refusing a £36.8m bid from Atletico Madrid. Despite prior interest, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is no longer a priority, with the focus firmly on recruiting a left-back. United begin their league campaign against Hull City on Saturday, though several important players remain sidelined through injury. Barcelona may revive their interest in Marcus Rashford, having previously declined the option to sign him permanently for £26m. Former United striker Rooney has questioned Rashford’s desire following the 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan. Rooney has also urged United to secure Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, suggesting the move represents excellent value. Newcastle’s acquisition of Bosnia international Amar Dedic potentially provides the Magpies with greater depth at full-back, making them even less likely to sanction Hall’s departure. Meanwhile, Stockport County have completed the permanent signing of United youth prospect Ethan Ennis, who netted three goals in 39 League Two appearances during a loan spell at Fleetwood Town. Several ex-United players remain without clubs, including Jadon Sancho, Memphis Depay, Axel Tuanzebe, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, and Wilfried Zaha. A survey indicates 34 per cent of United supporters believe their team will claim the title this term, though the actual probability is calculated at just 8 per cent.