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Manchester United’s pursuit of Louis Page has prompted a strong reaction from Leicester City manager Russell Martin as interest in the 18-year-old wonderkid continues to build.

Page has established himself as one of England’s most exciting young prospects this summer after an impressive breakthrough season at the King Power Stadium.

Although Leicester City endured the embarrassment of successive relegations, the midfielder was one of the few positives for the Foxes, making 18 Championship appearances and registering one assist.

The England Under-20 international made such an impression that he was named Apprentice of the Year in the Championship, despite Leicester finishing in the bottom three.

Those displays have alerted several of the country’s leading clubs – including Manchester United – to the possibility of a summer move, particularly with Leicester’s drop into League One leaving the Midlands club exposed.

After already losing Jeremy Monga – the highly rated 16-year-old winger – to Manchester City, the Red Devils are now looking to follow their neighbours’ example by striking a deal for Page.

Arsenal and Aston Villa are also in contention, but the Lutterworth-born youngster is believed to prefer a move to Old Trafford. Leicester are reportedly demanding as much as £10 million, even though their manager is insistent that he does not want to lose the teenager.

“Go away!”

Speaking for the first time since reports surfaced of interest in Page from England’s top clubs, Martin – who was appointed Leicester City boss in June – made his position on a possible departure unmistakably clear.

Martin confirmed that Page remains part of his plans unless told otherwise, saying, “he’s in the squad. Louis’s a really fantastic young player.”

Notably, Martin previously managed Southampton when Manchester United sporting director Jason Wilcox held the same role at St Mary’s, prompting the 40-year-old coach to joke:

“I obviously know their director of football at Manchester United very well after spending some time with him at Southampton. We haven’t actually spoke on Louis because he probably knows what I’d say to him and tell him to go away!

“It’s the same situation as Harry [Souttar], until something comes in that is really brilliant for the club and player and everyone is happy, then Louis stays and he’s in the squad.”

While Martin’s remarks were partly tongue-in-cheek, the key takeaway was his acknowledgement that if a “really brilliant” bid arrives for Page, the youngster will be allowed to leave.

With Manchester United currently ahead of their rivals because Page prefers Old Trafford to the Emirates or Villa Park, the matter now appears to depend on Leicester City giving the green signal.