The in-demand left-back was said to be a top target for Manchester United, who were widely reported to bid imminently for the teenager as soon as Louis van Gaal was appointed.
A week since the Dutchman’s confirmation as United boss, and United have not closed the deal, but the transfer market has taken on a different edge.
From apparent bystanders concentrating on their own interests, reports in The Mail state Chelsea could now hijack the deal for Shaw.
Chelsea have £40 million in their pockets thanks to the sale of David Luiz, to add to money they are believed to have previously allocated to spend on striker Diego Costa.
Chelsea released Ashley Cole earlier this month, and his replacement in the England set up, Shaw, crucially is a self-confessed fan of the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Mourinho and Van Gaal will lock horns next season, but this possible early one-upmanship from the Chelsea boss would get the rivalry off to a fascinating start.
Chelsea signed Willian and Mohamed Salah from under the noses of Tottenham and Liverpool respectively in the past 12 months in similar circumstances.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been a success at left-back this past season, but the Spaniard’s more natural side is seen as being on the right, and with Branislav Ivanovic 30, the deal for Shaw would give Chelsea increased options.
Mourinho said last week he did not expect new deals to be in the offing barring those they had worked on during the season, but the cash from the Luiz deal presents new opportunities, and the lure of signing Shaw and getting one over on United may be too good to resist.
For United it would be a big blow, but not as disastrous as it could have been, having extended Patrice Evra’s contract last week. The Red Devils can conceivably wait 12 months to decide on a replacement if they miss out on the England prospect.
Written by Steve Milne
