Spurs and Chelsea both make approaches to sign Luke Shaw from Southampton this summer.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea hope to take advantage of the turmoil currently at Southampton by signing teenage defender Luke Shaw this summer, according to the Times.
Both chairman Nicola Cortese and manager Mauricio Pochettino could depart this summer too, with their futures linked after Pochettino said he would leave if Cortese departed, and it has led to reports of player sales this summer.
17 year-old left back Shaw has been a revelation for Saints this season, and his performances are worthy of players with far more experience in the position.
He is seen as one of the main contenders to succeed Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines as England’s first choice player in that position, with Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs, Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand and Spurs’ Kyle Naughton amongst the likely competition.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas was asked about the prospect of signing Shaw in his morning press conference ahead of his team’s match against Sunderland, and hailed the youngster as a player with huge potential – without directly stating that Spurs would make a move.
“Any player who makes a breakthrough at the age that he has is absolutely unbelievable, but it doesn’t mean there is direct interest from Tottenham in the player,” said Villas-Boas, as quoted by the Tottenham Journal.
“But he’s a wonderful footballer, for sure.”
What may work in Chelsea’s favour though is that Shaw is a fan of the West London side.
“@tom31mallindine: @luke_shaw3 apart from Southampton who’s your favourite team?#asklukeshaw”chelsea
— Luke Shaw (@Luke_shaw3) March 24, 2013
“@scrivens97: @luke_shaw3 #asklukeshaw best player you have swapped shirts with this season?” Ashley cole
— Luke Shaw (@Luke_shaw3) March 24, 2013
Chelsea have plenty of money to spend this summer, having won the UEFA Europa League and qualified for the UEFA Champions League, and the Blues will hope to convince Shaw to move by offering him the chance to train with Ashley Cole as a mentor.
With Cole having been one of the most consistent and best in his position over the last decade, there may be no better place for Shaw to develop than Stamford Bridge, but with question marks surrounding Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s future, there may be a quicker path to the first team at White Hart Lane.
COMMENTS