Man Utd transfer rumors: I see It as a positive, now focusing on Leicester

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United remains interested in Leicester City's 18-year-old midfielder Louis Payne, after the two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee during the summer window.

Payne had been linked with Manchester United until the summer transfer deadline, but the clubs could not agree on a fee. As the January transfer window approaches, the two clubs remain in contact.

Manchester United is also expected to face competition from Arsenal. Leicester City is demanding a transfer fee of over £10 million, plus at least £2.5 million in add-ons. Any potential deal could see Payne remain at Leicester City until the end of the season.

Payne is currently focused on Leicester City's season and believes working with manager Ruben Selles can help him continue to develop.

Speaking about the transfer rumors during the summer window, Payne said: "That period was like a whirlwind, a lot happened. But for me, it's important to focus on what's in front of me. I play for Leicester City and I have a contract with the club. My goal is to help the team return to the Championship, that's what I want to do."

Payne continued: "The manager helped me a lot in terms of staying focused. He said he wanted me to stay and believed I could grow into the player I wanted to be. I also believe he can help me achieve that goal."

As transfer rumors intensified on deadline day, Payne was preparing for Leicester City's League One match against Plymouth. He provided an assist in the team's 2-0 victory, and his inclusion in the squad made the possibility of a move to Manchester United before the deadline highly unlikely.

Payne said: "I was just focused on the game because I knew I was going to play. I thought, whatever happens off the field, let it happen, I don't need to be involved."

"It was a very important home game for us, and I just needed to focus on playing well and making sure the team won. Whatever happens off the field, let it happen. If I perform well, people will naturally say good things. My focus is on playing."

Speaking about Manchester United's interest, Payne said: "I see it as a positive thing. A club like that being interested in me is obviously because of my performance on the field. As long as I keep improving, I can let others talk, and I will let my performance on the field do the talking."

"My parents have always helped me stay grounded. They told me: 'You are a Leicester City player now, and no one has told us the situation has changed. So, when you play, just play freely and make sure you perform well.'"

With the transfer window closed, Payne also breathed a sigh of relief. He said: "I was fully focused on Leicester City anyway. Now that the transfer window is closed, I know I'm staying here, and everyone knows it too. So these rumors can calm down for a while, and everyone just needs to focus on me playing for Leicester City."

Payne joined Leicester City's first team last season at age 17. He has started five consecutive matches across all competitions and was involved in three of the team's four goals in Leicester City's 4-3 victory over Stockport County last weekend.

Payne said: "Leicester City gave me everything and the opportunity to play for the first team. I feel like I've repaid them, but the team was still relegated. Now, I have to repay the academy staff who helped me reach the first team, and the first-team coaches who gave me the opportunity. I have to take responsibility and help the club return to the Championship."

Payne added: "We, the academy players, have witnessed how high the club has reached. When I was a child, I used to watch the team play in the Premier League and the Champions League, and I thought I would do the same with Leicester City. I think Sammy Braybrooke, Boydow Aluko and Will Alves feel the same way, and we all want to do that."

"For us, the team's current situation is relevant to everyone. Now we need to help the club out of this difficult situation and back to where it belongs."

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