City first became interested in 18 year old Luke Shaw in January and during Southampton’s U21 match with Man City, Saints boss Maruicio Pochettino attended, with representatives of both clubs having talks over the youngster’s future. City have been encouraged by these talks and are reportedly confident they can capture the signature of the highly rated defender.
Pellegrini has highlighted the left-back position as an area of concern as Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolorov have failed to greatly impress the Chilean.
Shaw is highly regarded as one of the country’s most promising talents and is battling with veteran Ashley Cole for a spot in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad, having made his international debut against Denmark earlier this month.
Chelsea are known to be keen on signing Shaw as the defender was a boyhood Chelsea fan, but their bid may become complicated as he is represented by a Stellar group, the same management firm who represent Ashley Cole. Plus the new inclusion of Azpilicueta at the left-back position may see Shaw look elsewhere.
David Moyes was also impressed by Shaw’s performances and put a £20m bid in for the defender in January but a deal never arose, however Moyes is reportedly set to increase the bid come the summer window.
Sources expect Shaw to be advised by Stellar on which club to go to, which almost certainly means the 18 year old is set for an exit from St Mary’s in the summer.
By Phil Wellbrook
