Everton are in talks with Man United over Luke Shaw, according to reports, with the Toffees keeping an eye on his current contract situation at Old Trafford.
United have been linked with moves to strengthen the full-back position in recent weeks. But this has been focused on the right side of defence, with the Red Devils sending scouts to Germany to watch Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
On the surface, Erik ten Hag's squad appears to be well stocked at left-back, with both Shaw and Tyrell Malacia able to play there. Diogo Dalot can also fill in on the left side if needed.
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But Shaw is one of a number of United players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2023.
And although the club do have one-year options that they can trigger to extend those deals further, it has left those players in an uncertain position in regards to their footballing future.
Therefore, in Shaw's case, a number of clubs are tracking the left-back - and Everton are the ones that appear to be in pole position, for now, to sign him should he leave Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw to Everton?
Football Transfers report they have been told that Shaw's desire is to sign a five-year contract, plus an additional year, at Old Trafford.
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They also claim that, as per sources, United have not yet begun talks with the England left-back, with his injury history believed to be an issue.
Therefore, the 27-year-old could decide to move away from the club that he has played for since 2014, with the Toffees still reportedly in talks with the player after initially expressing their interest in the summer.
Shaw has been named in England's World Cup squad, meaning negotiations could be challenging over the next month. In January, the ex-Southampton defender can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
As a result, if the Red Devils do want to keep Shaw, they will need to start talks quickly with a view to agreeing a new deal before January - or trigger the year's extension.
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Further interest in the defender has come from Newcastle, as per Football Insider, with Eddie Howe's side potentially in an ideal position to sign Shaw with possible huge wages on offer.
In addition, the Magpies currently sit third in the Premier League table, and should they continue their excellent form into the New Year, could be in a position to guarantee Champions League football next term.
United are not guaranteed to achieve that outcome, and with Malacia pushing Shaw for a regular place in the starting XI, it will be interesting to see whether the England international stays at Old Trafford beyond this summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Luke Shaw, Manchester United, Everton, Premier League