United Confident Of Sealing £30m Deal Despite Opening Offer Being Rejected

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Man Utd remain confident of landing Luke Shaw.

Manchester United remain confident of landing left-back Luke Shaw for around £30m after Southampton rejected their opening £27m offer, according to reports today.

Widespread newspaper reports on Monday claimed that United had tabled a £27m bid for the Saints highly-rated defender while the Mirror even suggested that the move was already considered a ‘done deal’ with Shaw set to pen a five-year contract.

The Guardian take a very different view on things as they are reporting today that Southampton have in fact knocked back United’s opening offer and are insisting the 18-year-old is not for sale.

However, the newspaper believes that United feel this is nothing more than a bargaining stance from the Saints and the deposed champions remain confident they’ll be able to get a deal agreed at somewhere in the region of £30m. That figure would make Shaw the most expensive teenager in British history, beating the current record held by Wayne Rooney for his transfer from Everton to United in 2004.

Shaw has enjoyed a sensational season on the South Coast and was named in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for this summers World Cup finals. Understandably  his impressive form attracted interest from the upper echelons of the Premier League, but despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Man City, United remain firmly in the driving seat to sign the youngster and could even get the deal completed before he heads off to Brazil on England duty.

The Guardian suggest United have offered the adventurous full-back a five-year deal worth £100,000-a-week, and club officials have already consulted with manager-to-be Louis van Gaal to ensure he’s the type of signing he’d welcome.

Should Shaw complete his proposed switch to Old Trafford, he’s likely to come in as the long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, with the long-serving Frenchman set to leave the club when his contract expires next month.

READ MORE–> Man Utd transfer news

United are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer rebuilding their flagging squad following a turbulent year that’s seen them finish in seventh place and without European football to look forward to next season.

Whoever comes in as David Moyes permanent replacement has a huge job on their hands but there’s little doubt the signing of Shaw would be a major statement of intent and be a positive start to what’s going to be an important summer at Old Trafford.