Have Manchester United funded Chelsea’s bid for explosive teenager?

Chelsea are planning to beat Manchester United to the signing of highly-coveted full-back Luke Shaw, using the money raised from Juan Mata’s sale.

Mata signed for United for a club record £37.1 million and could make his debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday night. Both clubs have had a long-running interest in Shaw who has attracted interest from clubs around the continent.

It is thought, though, that Shaw may be taken to Chelsea using the money that United gave them for Mata last week.

Chelsea are confident of sealing the transfer for the summer, but are now thought to want to act on Shaw this week, before the transfer window closes on Friday.

However, Southampton are adamant that none of their players will be leaving, meaning Chelsea will have on their hands to prise the talented left-back away from the south coast this week.

The Blues are confident that they can win any bidding war, should it occur, after raising over £50 million in funds through the sales of Kevin De Bruyne and Juan Mata.

The have made a profit in excess of £20 million despite spending a large chunk of their raised funds on Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah.

Shaw’s 12 key passes this season is more than any other defender at Southampton.