PL winning club “open talks” to sign United’s midfield “pass master” before deadline day in shock twist – report

Leicester City are reportedly leading a fierce transfer race to sign Jack Fletcher after stealing a march on their rivals for the Manchester United starlet. Rising through the ranks Fletcher is a highly regarded academy graduate, with the 18-year-old making his debut for the Red Devils in December. Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed by INEOS as head coach earlier this month, handed the youngster his first appearance in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa before Christmas. Sports Boom reveals Fletcher – son of former Scotland international and under-18s coach Darren, who took over the first team in Amorim’s absence – is one of the “brightest prospects” to emerge from the youth set-up in recent years. The midfielder has shone for the academy sides with his “composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations” and there is a sense he is ready to sample senior football on a regular basis. “Technically gifted, calm in possession and tactically mature beyond his years, Fletcher has long been earmarked internally as a player capable of making the step into senior football sooner rather than later,” Sports Boom states. The report contends United’s hierarchy consider a loan move the “logical next step” as the squad available to Michael Carrick, who took the reins from Fletcher Snr. as caretaker manager until the end of the season, has been reinforced by the return of senior stars from injury and international duty. This will reduce the opportunities available to the young Fletcher, with a switch to a Championship side considered the best option to continue his development. However, there is also “at least one lower-table Premier League side [who have] also registered tentative interest.” Ready for senior football A host of clubs in England’s second division are “firmly in contention”, with these teams “aware that Fletcher’s pedigree and youth-international performances mark him out as a potential future star.” But it is Leicester who are “leading the race” to agree a deal with the Red Devils, despite the Midlands side having sacked Martí Cifuentes as manager earlier this month. “The Foxes have positioned themselves at the front of the queue despite currently being without a permanent manager, holding encouraging early discussions with United over a temporary switch designed to give the youngster regular first-team exposure. “The former Premier League champions’ reputation for developing young talent and offering meaningful minutes is understood to have made a strong impression on all parties involved.” Leicester are understood to be targeting “midfield creativity and energy” as the January transfer window draws to a close, with Monday’s 7pm deadline fast approaching. They are considered in “pole position” to agree a deal for the United starlet, who has outgrown academy football. Featured image Ben Roberts photo via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.