Rumour: Manchester United desperate to sign Southampton left-back Luke Shaw

Southampton’s Luke Shaw (R)

Manchester United boss David Moyes is determined to sign Southampton left-back Luke Shaw ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea, reports the Metro.

The 18-year-old has been a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s sturdy back line at St. Mary’s this season with 23 appearances to his name and has also been linked with a call-up to England’s squad for the upcoming friendly with Denmark due to his impressive performances.

Meanwhile, Moyes is keen to sign a left sided defender to replace Patrice Evra who is nearing the end of his time at Old Trafford, while Alex Buttner has been deemed surplus to requirements.

The former Everton man failed with a bid to sign Leighton Baines in the summer and has now made securing Shaw’s signature a priority as he looks to re-build the squad he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho is also in the market for a left-back due to the dip in Ashley Cole’s recent form and has shown strong interest in the youngster too.

A bid in the region of £22 million bid could be enough to prise him away from Pochettino, with Moyes adamant he will not lose out on another target to a direct rival as he looks to make up for United’s failings in the transfer market that have blighted his tenure thus far.

Luke Shaw has created 17 chances and provided one assist for Southampton this season.