• Premier League

Chelsea eye Shaw as heir to Cole

ESPN staff
December 13, 2013
Luke Shaw has caught the eye of a number of leading Premier League clubs, including Manchester United © Getty Images
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Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated in no uncertain terms that the club will not entertain any offers for rising star Luke Shaw, as speculation intensifies that Chelsea and Manchester United are poised to swoop.

Shaw, 18, enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign for the Saints in 2012-13 and has consolidated his position as Pochettino's first-choice left-back this season.

But his excellent displays for the surprise top-four contenders have drawn unwanted interest, with United and Chelsea reportedly ready to offer big money to prise him away from the south coast.

United are expected to lose Patrice Evra at the end of this season and don't see current stand-in Alexander Buttner as a feasible long-term option at left-back while, at Chelsea, Ashley Cole's future has come into question following Jose Mourinho's recent preference for playing Cesar Azpilicueta out of position on the left.

The Daily Telegraph reports the Blues could offer £20 million for Shaw in January, suggesting that a move for him could spark a merry-go-round that would see Ryan Bertrand go to Everton and Leighton Baines to United.

However, Saints boss Pochettino feels no pressure to sell Shaw and warned any potential suitors off making an offer.

"Clubs can show their interest - that is not something we can control. In this case, Luke Shaw is not a player we want to sell. He is not for sale."

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