Chelsea's Shaw thing played down by Southampton boss

Mauricio Pochettino has responded to speculation surrounding Luke Shaw’s potential transfer to West London, by claiming Chelsea should be more concerned with keeping their players from his clutches.

The 17 year-old defender has been an outstanding performer for the Saints this season, encouraging praise from many potential suitors and reporters alike.

The teenager made his Premier League debut in November and never looked back, making 25 league appearances in his first season in the Southampton senior squad.

Chelsea have been earmarked as his most likely destination, but the Saints boss responded to the speculation by claiming: “Perhaps we will go and get some Chelsea players ourselves.

“I think that [executive chairman] Nicola Cortese staying is the best possible news for next season.

“That is very good for the squad, for the whole club. We will talk about the summer and the budgets with Nicola.”

I would love to see Luke Shaw arrive at Chelsea, but cant imagine him wanting to join this season and fight for a starting place with Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand when he is receiving so much first-team football in Southampton.

I think a more likely scenario would be to sign him with the option of keeping him with the Saints for a further season allowing him to grow and learn in the first team.

It would however be great for the English teenager to come and learn from the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and more specifically, Ashley Cole before they leave Chelsea. Learning from the best could pay dividends on his future.

First-team football elsewhere or invaluable coaching and mentoring?