Chelsea Transfer News: Luke Shaw Leaves Door Open to Blues and Manchester United

Southampton’s swashbuckling left-back Luke Shaw failed to rule out a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester United when quizzed on his future over the weekend.

The 18-year-old, who was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on the back of a fine season, insisted that whilst he would be happy to remain at St Mary’s for the time being, he’s waiting to see what happens when the season's last two games are done.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the PFA Awards, Shaw insisted he was flattered to be linked with clubs of the calibre of Chelsea and Manchester United, who have long been linked with a move for the Southampton man, per Jamie Jackson in The Guardian:

"

It's a good thing to be linked with them, but I don't concentrate with that stuff. I've got football to focus on. That's my only thinking.

(Southampton) is a great club, I'm still young and I've got plenty to learn. It's all rumours. I'm just focusing on the two games I've got left and then see what happens.

"

There’s little surprise that this prodigious talent has been courted by some of English football’s blue-ribbon clubs after a breakthrough season on the south coast.

Shaw has blossomed under the tutelage of Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino, who demands his team to play in vibrant and energetic fashion. A stylistic mantra that complements Shaw's attributes perfectly.

Sang Tan

The Saints have cemented their status in the top half of the Premier League this season, and Shaw has been vital to their cause. His blistering forays down the left flank have been wonderful to watch throughout the campaign, especially when coupled with his mature decision-making and astute defensive awareness.  

It was no surprise when he made his England debut against Denmark in March this season. Being named in the PFA Team of the Year, ahead of his England rival Leighton Baines nonetheless, is the coup de grace on a marvellous campaign.

You suspect the fight for Shaw’s signature will rumble on and on this summer. Southampton will be powerless to turn down a reported figure of circa £30 million, money that both United and Chelsea would likely be willing to pay for a left-back that could occupy a spot in the first team for a decade, potentially even longer.

It’s certainly no secret that both of the aforementioned clubs need a left-back this summer, with club legends who've occupied the slot with aplomb potentially on the move.

United’s Patrice Evra and Chelsea’s Ashley Cole will both see their contracts expire this summer and, after the stellar job each of the aforementioned duo have done at their clubs over an extended period, another period of consistency would be most welcome.

Shaw can provide that unyielding, longstanding quality that every club craves. The Southampton man is going to red-hot property this summer.