Man United, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea? Where next for Luke Shaw - 7M sport

Man United, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea? Where next for Luke Shaw



I have a say

Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2013 by Talksport.co.uk

Man United, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea? Where next for Luke Shaw

According to reports, soon-to-be Manchester United boss David Moyes wants to kick-off his reign at Old Trafford with the signing of Southampton's highly-rated full-back Luke Shaw.

The 17-year-old has gained a raft of admirers since making his league debut for the Saints and has gone on to make 25 league appearances this season.

Moyes is believed to have scouted Shaw last season, with a view to recruiting him as Leighton Baines' potential replacement. With Moyes now at Old Trafford, he is now looking to bring in the teenager to succeed veteran defender Patrice Evra.

However, the Red Devils' chief may find it difficult to convince Southampton to sell, especially with rumours that Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all in for the former England Under-17 star. talkSPORT runs the rule over each club to see where would be best for the future senior international.

Man United
For:
United have gained a reputation for encouraging young talent, with Sir Alex Ferguson having famously played at least one product of the club's academy in each of his 1500 games in charge. That ethos is unlikely to disappear under Moyes, who has himself been lauded for developing emerging talent during his 11 years at Everton. While Shaw may not find himself immediately in the starting XI, given time he could surely become a regular fixture in Moyes' side.

Against: While United boast a number of young talents in their ranks, there are plenty of developing stars who struggled to make their mark at Old Trafford and have subsequently found their careers stalling. Federico Macheda is just one such talent who promised so much, but was crowded out by
United's star-studded front line, while Nick Powell has only made a handful of senior appearances following his big money move from Crewe Alexandra last summer.

Arsenal
For:
Over the past decade, Arsenal have become renowned for offering first-team berths to young talent. The meteoric rise of Jack Wilshere is in part testament to Arsene Wenger's faith in pursuing a policy of youth first. The Gunners' boss has a good relationship with Southampton, having turned two of their former charges – Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – into regular internationals, the latter of whom featured heavily during last season's European championships despite only being with the club a matter of months.

Against: Arsenal's lack of silverware is becoming more of a problem, the longer their trophy drought continues. The success former stars are now having at clubs around Europe is bound to have a knock-on affect and it will only be a matter of time until another high-ranking Arsenal star is lured away by the smell of success. While the Gunners offer a good platform for development, with the opportunity of regular game time, the club needs to start winning things soon to ensure that they are the number one destination for players once again.

Tottenham Hotspur
For:
Much like Arsenal and Man United, Spurs offer a fantastic platform for blossoming talent. The North Londoners aren't as well recognised as their Premier League rivals for developing players, but you only have to point to the likes of Gareth Bale, Kyle Walker and Steven Caulker as examples of talent recognition. Under Andre Villas-Boas, the club appear to have pursued a policy more geared to providing younger players with a chance, and should Spurs manage to capture Luke Shaw, they would continue that in earnest.

Against: While Spurs do offer a platform for young players, it takes a while for such talent to eventually be given a chance. Both Walker and Caulker spent long periods out on loan before being afforded first team berths, whereas Gareth Bale faced the wrath of Spurs' fans after initially failing to settle at White Hart Lane. Should Shaw move to North London, the likelihood is he will be sent out on loan until AVB deems him ready to step in for current full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Chelsea
For:
A boyhood Chelsea fan, it would surely be a dream for Luke Shaw to become a Blues' regular. With Ashley Cole in the latter stages of his career and Ryan Bertrand seemingly suited for a more advanced role, there could be a space on the left for Shaw to eventually take up at Stamford Bridge. The club's regular success both domestically and in recent seasons on the continent would provide Shaw with the opportunity to develop in a way he will find hard to find at many other clubs.

Against: Of all of the Premier League's top five sides, Chelsea are arguably the worst when it comes to promoting young players. While the likes of Josh McEachran and Ryan Bertrand have been afforded opportunities, these have been sparingly, with the club seemingly preferring to buy established talent rather than develop their own. As such, Luke Shaw would likely find it difficult to truly establish himself as a first-team regular, despite his mass potential as a player.

Where do you think is best for Luke Shaw? Should he look to leave Southampton, or is St Mary's the best place for him? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.