Tottenham Hotspur Expected to Beat Manchester United to Luke Shaw Deal

Mauricio Pochettino's appointment at Tottenham Hotspur could deter Southampton full back Luke Shaw from joining Manchester United, according to former defender Gary Pallister.

Shaw has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford after enjoying a stellar season with Saints which earned him a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer.

Pochettino's move to Tottenham from Southampton is expected to lead to the exit of several high-profile players at St Mary's including Shaw and midfielder Adam Lallana, but Pallister believes the Argentine's switch to north London could scupper United's attempts to sign the England left-back.

"He [Pochettino] has that relationship with him already," Pallister told talkSPORT.

"Was it Shaw saying how delighted he was to play for him and what he has done for his game? It could be a spanner in the works for United, who were supposed to be close to doing a deal for Shaw.

"If you have got that personal insight into a player and that personal relationship, it gives you an added advantage."

Following the sacking of Tim Sherwood earlier this month, Pochettino was confirmed as the new Tottenham boss on Tuesday and has signed a five-year deal at White Hart Lane.

The 42 year old was heavily praised for blending a European philosophy with the implementation of several young English players and helped the club finish eighth in the Premier League – equalling their best ever in the division's history.

After failing to qualify for the Champions League, Pochettino is charged returning Tottenham to Europe's premier club competition while overhauling a squad which faltered following the departure of Gareth Bale last summer.

Meanwhile, new United boss Van Gaal is preoccupied with preparing Netherlands for the World Cup and while the coach has admitted to handing a transfer wishlist to the club's hierarchy is unwilling to discuss his plans for the club until after the summer.