Luke Shaw has told Southampton he has no plans to seek a transfer this month, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
With Ashley Cole out of contract in the summer and currently struggling to cement a place in the starting XI, Chelsea are keen to find a replacement for the England international. Indeed, Jose Mourinho has played Spanish ace Cesar Azpilicueta, a usual right back, in the left back position in recent weeks.
Shaw is thought to have grown up as a fan of the Stamford Bridge club, which will not harm the Blues chances should they decide to make a move for his signature whilst the window is open this month. However, the Londoners are sure to face stiff competition from Manchester United and David Moyes.
Like with Chelsea, the left back role appears to be up for grabs at Old Trafford. Patrice Evra, 33 this year, is no longer the player he was when he first arrived in England, whilst Alexander Buttner has failed to impress since arriving last summer and Fabio da Silva has hardly been given a look-in this season.
It is no surprise that both clubs have been linked with Shaw, who is widely acknowledged to be one of the best young talents in the English game. Still only 18, the Under-21 international has already made 40 Premier League starts for the Saints, who have him under contract at St Mary’s until the summer of 2018.
However, it appears as though the two Premier League heavyweights will have to put their interest in the teenager on hold. According to The Telegraph, Shaw has told Southampton that he has no intention of leaving just yet, as he feels the South Coast club is the best place for him to continue his development as a player.
Whether this deters Chelsea or United from making a bid remains to be seen. But what is clear is that if either are to land their man, it would take more than the £15million Arsenal paid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in August 2011 to persuade Southampton to part with their latest rising star.
