Chelsea are set to win the race for highly rated Southampton full-back Luke Shaw – that is if they can guarantee the 18-year-old a place in their star-studded starting XI.
According to the Sunday People (via the Mirror), Luke Shaw could move to Stamford Bridge as soon as January, but only if they provide assurances that he will not be placed on the fringes of the squad.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for the aging Ashley Cole, and Shaw is reportedly at the top of Jose Mourinho’s list.
Previous overtures from the Premier League giants have been rebuffed by both Southampton and the player himself, with the 18-year-old’s parents unhappy with the idea of a bench role for the young star.
But with Cole the wrong side of 30, whilst also alternating the left-back slot with the wrong footed Cesar Azpilicueta, the coast looks clear for Shaw to make his career defining move.
The Southampton teenager is set to be a real star, having put in a number of impressive performances for the high-flying Saints; and would also help fill the required Premier League quota for English players for Chelsea.
A whole host of Premier League clubs have been vying for Shaw’s signature, but having revealed that he is a long-term Chelsea fan this year, it seems the Blues have shot up to the front of the queue for the youngster.
A January move has been mooted, with back up left-back Ryan Bertrand surplus to requirements in West London. The 24-year-old could be on his way to Liverpool, paving the way for Shaw to fight it out for the starting berth at Stamford Bridge with Cole.
What do you think? Is Shaw ready for the jump in quality? Let me know in the comments below…
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