Luke Shaw being closely monitored by Chelsea

Reports generating around Stamford Bridge suggest that Luke Shaw is being closely monitored by Chelsea, with Chelsea hoping to loan the player back to Southampton for the remainder of the season.

The young left-back, who turned 17 in the summer, has been closely monitored by the European champions in recent months and he is set to be the subject of an offer ahead of the January window.

It is understood that Chelsea have identified Shaw as a potential understudy to Ryan Bertrand, with the prospect growing that Ashley Cole will leave Stamford Bridge.

Shaw has been heavily scouted by a number of leading Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester City among the clubs who have made enquiries about signing him.

But the firmest interest has been shown by Chelsea, who made it clear to Southampton they would like to take the England Under-17 international to Stamford Bridge.

Shaw has been dubbed ‘the new Gareth Bale’ and is the latest star graduate of an academy which has recently produced Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as well as the Tottenham winger.

Shaw made his Southampton senior bow in January and has made seven further appearances for the first team this season, including his full debut against Stevenage in the League Cup in August.

I believe Ryan Bertrand deserves his chance at left-back, and believe signing an understudy to Bertrand to be the right idea. Chelsea’s transfer dealings for the past year have been impressive, considering the raw young talent we have invested in. We are a striker or two shy of having the best squad in England. Is Bertrand ready to be Chelsea’s first choice left-back?