Leicester reject Manchester United's 'very big' deadline-day bid for Louis Page

Leicester City owner Khun Top personally rejected a major deadline-day bid from Manchester United for teenage midfielder Louis Page, with manager Russell Martin confirming the club turned down ‘a lot of money’ to keep the 18-year-old at the King Power Stadium.

Martin revealed that he, chief football officer Jon Rudkin, sporting director James McCarron, and the owner convened in the office as United’s offer arrived on Tuesday — the final day of the summer transfer window. It was the Red Devils’ second attempt to sign Page, having already had an earlier bid rebuffed. According to LeicestershireLive, speculation places the overall package at as much as £23 million, though the precise figure of United’s final bid has not been officially confirmed.

“The owner was here today and we sat in the office and received a very big offer from Manchester United,” Martin told reporters after the match. “Myself, Jon, James and the owner, Khun Top, sat in and he said no. So whatever’s going on with the noise around the club and all that stuff, he was strong, and he wanted the player to stay and be part of us.”

Martin was effusive in his praise for the owner’s decision, adding: “It would have been so easy for him to sell Louis and take a lot of money. But he didn’t. It’s a brilliant thing for us.”

Far from being unsettled by the transfer speculation, Page started the League One fixture against Plymouth Argyle and delivered a composed performance, providing the assist for Leicester’s opening goal in a 2-0 victory — his third consecutive start across all competitions.

Reports had indicated that any deal could have included a loan-back clause allowing Page to remain at Leicester for the rest of the current campaign, though those discussions ultimately came to nothing.

Martin made clear that Page is central to Leicester’s plans going forward. “Louis, you can see the level of quality and potential he possesses is amazing. Him and Sammy [Braybrooke] have an unbelievable connection and we have to build around these young guys. I’m really grateful that he’s still here.”