Rumour: Manchester United to beat Chelsea for Luke Shaw

Reports suggest that Manchester United are preparing a bid for Southampton left back Luke Shaw. Last season’s champions are set to undergo a summer squad overhaul and Goal believe that they are targeting a £20 million move for Shaw as part of that.

The left-back has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, but United are optimistic of securing the 18-year-old by guaranteeing him first-team football.

United boss David Moyes is set to be handed a considerable transfer budget to spend in the summer – around £150 million according to Goal – with his defence high up amongst his priorities. Nemanja Vidic has already announced that he is leaving the club in the summer and he is set to be joined by fellow stalwarts Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.

Such an exodus, combined with Moyes’s reported lack of faith in Rafael and Alex Buttner, means that the Manchester United defence is likely to be much changed next season.

They are said to be optimistic of securing Shaw in spite of the interest of Chelsea, the club that the youngster supports.

Shaw is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford, whilst United hope that they can capitalise on the fact that Shaw has the same management as the man that he would be likely to replace at Chelsea – Ashley Cole.

Shaw has made 31 tackles this season, 12 fewer than Evra has managed this season.