Rumour: Manchester United heavy favourites for Shaw ahead of Chelsea

Luke Shaw: Earning rave reviews with every performance

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Luke Shaw in the summer, with the Daily Star reporting that the player himself believed to favour a move Old Trafford in order to continue his fledgling career.

Chelsea have turned their attentions elsewhere after it emerged that Shaw has his sights set on a move to United should he opt to leave Southampton at the end of the season, with Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno believed to be their number one target to replace Ashley Cole in the summer, with the veteran left-back set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Shaw is in serious contention to make England’s World Cup squad after being named in the Premier League team of the season for his performances on the left-hand side of Southampton’s defence and his displays have not gone unnoticed among the Premier League’s elite sides, as well as abroad.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are also thought to be in the race to sign Shaw, but the player himself has picked United as his preferred destination as he believes that he has a better chance of making an impact at Old Trafford, as it would come with less pressure next season.

Shaw will replace Patrice Evra in the United side with the french defender set to exit the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, and Shaw is set to be the first name announced to be part of the summer rebuild at Old Trafford.

A £25 million fee is believed to be enough to tempt Southampton into the sale of their highly-rated academy product, while United are also on the trail of Layvin Kurzawa, should Shaw opt to stay at St Mary’s for a further season and continue his development with the Saints.