Rumour: Chelsea close to meeting £25m valuation for Luke Shaw

Southampton have told Chelsea that if they want Luke Shaw they must pay £25 million.

The Blues are said to have been interested in the young full-back for quite some time and now look to be ready to make an offer.

Jose Mourinho has been reluctant to use Ashley Cole at left-back this season, instead playing Cesar Azpilicueta out of position so a bid for Shaw seems to be imminent.

There have been reports that Mourinho had placed a £20 million bid on Shaw but it seems they will get their man if they raise their price by a quarter.

Saints chairman Nicola Cortese quit the club this week, throwing the futures of Mauricio Pochettino and a number of players in the air and it looks as if Chelsea will use it to their advantage.

Manchester United have also, apparently, made an enquiry to Southampton for Shaw but have not made a bid yet.

Shaw has won 50% of his tackles this season (22/44).