Manchester United are reportedly ready to make Southampton defender Luke Shaw as the best paid defender in the world. The 18-year-old has been currently locked in a transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea. Both clubs are interested in signing him. It is thought that the player prefers joining Chelsea because he supports them boyhood. However, United are ready to convince him that a move to Old Trafford is the best and they are prepared to pay huge amount of wages in order to show their commitment.

Shaw is seen as one of the finest left backs in the country and he is just 18 years old. Several clubs have been interested in securing him from Southampton. They are believed to be ready to accept an offer of around £ 27 million. However, Chelsea and United have been trying to lower this price. It is also thought that Chelsea dropped out of the running in order to cope with the FFP regulations. However, they recently came back into the picture to force United to up the ante and the Red Devils have responded by making an offer of £ 160,000 per week for the 18-year-old.

It is widely believed that Chelsea will not match this figure and will concede defeat in the race for the left back. After recently losing out Ashley Cole on a free transfer, the blues are keen on bringing him a new defender to play in the left-sided position. Jose Mourinho preferred using Cesar Azpilicueta in this position last season, but he is not expected to be there in the long-term. Shaw has been preferred with the national team ahead of Ashley Cole, which is seen as a major sign that he could be one for the future.

The 18-year-old came through the ranks at Southampton just as players like Theo Walcott.