Mourinho Hints At Bid for Southampton Starlet Shaw

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hinted he is still interested in signing an unnamed English youngster after seeing his efforts rebuffed during the summer transfer window.

The Chelsea boss was letting nothing slip when discussing the failed move, but after stating that the target is a young uncapped English player it leaves a number of possible options, including Southampton's teenage left back Luke Shaw and possibly Tom Ince of Blackpool.

After making his return to Stamford Bridge this summer Mourinho was joined by seven new signings in Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel, Willian, Christian Atsu, Samuel Eto'o, Cristian Cuevas and Mark Schwarzer.

The former Inter and Real Madrid coach failed in his attempts to lure Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to Stamford Bridge and has also revealed the club missed out on another target due to unrealistic price demands.

"I like a young player, a young English player. The market is closed but I asked a question to position myself to see where he was," Mourinho was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"We are speaking about a very young player but he price was like he has 50 caps when he had none. The price for English players is very high, the market is very difficult."

The Chelsea boss refused to be drawn on the name of his transfer target, but one name that fits his description is 18-year-old Shaw.

The left back signed a new five year contract after courting firm interest following an impressive first season in the Premier League for the Saints, but it hasn't stopped clubs at the top of the table being linked with a move.

The talented defender has been talked of as England's future first choice at left back when Ashley Cole eventually departs, and Mourinho could be looking to ensure that transition occurs for both club and country.

Another possible candidate is England under-21 international Ince. The skilful winger was closely linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer and also turned down the opportunity to join Cardiff City. The Express suggest it was the Blackpool star Mourinho sought to sign before he was discouraged by an unrealistic price tag.