You get the feeling that things could be about to explode on the transfer front. With mere rumblings for the first half of January Chelsea flew into action with the signing of old boy Nemanja Matic this week for over £20m.
This will hopefully open the floodgates for an eventful second half of the window. The news that Southampton Chairman Nicola Cortese has left the club has lead many to suggest that there will be an immediate player exodus to follow. The fire sale may include the likes of Adam Lallana, Ricky Lambert and prized asset Luke Shaw.
The Telegraph says that the latter may now be open to a move away from the club, having originally expressed a preference to stay at the club until the summer at least.
Shaw is the club’s most sought-after player and, although the England Under-21 left-back had stressed previously that he wants to stay until at least the summer, his camp will now review the situation.
The main focus, though, will be on Shaw, who is only 18 but tipped for stardom and valued at £20 million.
It leaves Chelsea, United and City with an active interest. Those three clubs had all been informed at the start of the transfer window that there was no possibility of Shaw leaving in January and that any deal would wait until the summer. They will now be aware that the situation could be accelerated. Some sources say a deal could even be completed within the next seven days.
Chelsea and Manchester United are in similar positions, both needing to replace stellar left-backs in the next 12 months. Patrice Evra is 32 and Chelsea’s Cole is already finding it hard to nail down a starting spot having turned 33 in December.
Both will be serious in there interest and if Manchester City get involved then a huge bidding war could ensue. All parties a aware that the initial fee will be offset by the length of career that the player has ahead of him – Shaw is 18.
Having spent nothing so far in the January window you would imagine that Manchester United would push the boat out for a player who is seen as the long-term England left back in the making.
Manchester United fans. Is this guy worth upwards of £20m?
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