Luke Shaw's switch from Southampton to Manchester United has moved a step closer, after sources close to the transfer told ESPN FC that the deal to take the left-back to Old Trafford "is almost done."
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ESPN FC reported in January and again in February that United's eagerness to sign Shaw had not been dampened by their failed attempt to land the Southampton player in the winter transfer window, and now it seems the club are close to finalising an agreement.
Shaw, 18, is set to travel with England to the World Cup finals this summer after national team boss Roy Hodgson overlooked Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole, despite Shaw having played just 45 minutes of senior international football.
Widespread reports have claimed that United submitted a 27 million pound bid for Shaw following their 1-1 draw against Saints at St Mary's Stadium on Sunday.
According to ESPN FC sources, United's new offer for Shaw is an improvement on the figure presented "informally" by Old Trafford officials last January, with Southampton executives believed to be close to agreeing to the deal.
Southampton executive director Les Reed told reporters last month that Shaw and Adam Lallana would not be leaving the club, yet that position appears to have shifted in recent days.
Reports from Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror suggest United are keen to tie up the deal for Shaw before he travels to Brazil for the World Cup, with Old Trafford officials keen to avoid the issues of last summer when their moves for the likes of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas failed to reach a successful conclusion.