Everton have entered the race to sign Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw this summer, according to The Times.
The report claims the 22-year-old will exit Old Trafford at the end of the season as his relationship has broken down with manager Jose Mourinho.
Everton made a loan enquiry for Shaw in January but are now keen on signing the defender on a permanent deal.
Shaw would reportedly be interested in joining the Toffees but wants assurances that they’re going in the right direction, with the future of manager Sam Allardyce uncertain after a below-par campaign.
The Red Devils chief executive Ed Woodward does not want to sell Shaw, but United don’t want to risk losing the England international on a free transfer next summer, so an exit is likely in the coming months.
Shaw joined from Southampton in 2014 for £27m. He’s made 62 appearances in four years, with injuries hampering his playing time.
Mourinho has made him a scapegoat for United‘s woes this season, continually criticising him in post-match interviews. The youngster may need to move on to get his career back on the right track.
Everton are desperately in need of a left-back like Shaw, with Leighton Baines now 33 and Cuco Martina not quite living up to standard.
The only stumbling block may be the competition for his signature. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been linked and may be a more attractive proposition than the Merseysiders.
The £70k-per-week defender may be keen to rejoin Mauricio Pochettino, his former manager at Southampton who is now at Spurs.
In any case, it looks like United will sanction a move for Shaw which could lead to a bidding war from a number of suitors.