Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is aware of Luke Shaw’s situation at Manchester United and is weighing up a summer move for the left-back, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim that Shaw is now looking certain to leave Old Trafford after his latest falling-out with Jose Mourinho, with sources suggesting the unhappy star will move on at the end of the season.
The Chronicle report that Benitez retains interest in the 22-year-old flyer after making enquiries in January, with the Magpies put off then by United’s £20million asking price.
It is said that Mourinho’s attitude towards Shaw may mean that the Red Devils are unable to demand such a big fee this summer, with a cut-price deal potentially on the cards for the wantaway England international.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Yes.
Paul Dummett’s return from injury has sorted the Mapgies’ problems at left-back, but there are reportedly plans at the club to move him more central in the future.
A deal for Shaw would surely see him become the club’s clear number one choice on the left, in turn allowing Dummett to be played at centre-back for Benitez.
This would bring more balance to the Newcastle defence, and would set them up nicely for a run at the top-half of the table next season.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Unfortunately not.
Shaw will have plenty of admirers this summer, and financially Newcastle will not be in the best position to secure his signature.
Other clubs like Tottenham and Everton will be able to offer a bigger fee and higher wages, and that would see the Magpies shunted to the back of the queue for Shaw.
That is not to say that this won’t happen, just that there is a low chance of it doing so.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10