United Identify Talented Teenager as Possible Evra Replacement – Report

Manchester United are expected to move for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw in the January transfer window after Patrice Evra hinted that he would quit Old Trafford this summer.

The French defender is in the final year of his contract and has yet to be offered a new deal. However, he insisted he is unconcerned that no offer is on the horizon and suggested he could leave the club at the end of the season.

"I'm not at all concerned," responded Evra when asked if he was worried about not being offered a new deal. "It is not that Manchester United do not want me to sign a new contract. Manchester United would like me to finish my career there, but this is something personal."

Initially it was assumed that Everton's Leighton Baines would be the preferred choice but the Times reports that Shaw is being targeted by Moyes who was hugely impressed with the left-back's performance in Southampton's 1-1 draw with United and Old Trafford.

Everton rebuffed numerous offers from Manchester United for Baines over the course of the summer and the club are aware of how difficult it will be to convince the Merseyside club to part with one of their top performers.

Shaw may well be a more attainable target for United as Southampton have previously struggled to keep their best young players at the club.

Gareth Bale was on United's radar when he was at Southampton before he was convinced to join Tottenham, while Arsenal poached both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the south coast club.

However, Southampton have made an impressive start to the new league season and currently find themselves two place above Manchester United, with four more points from their opening eight games.

Shaw may well take this into consideration if an offer is made as United are currently struggling and may not be quite the force they once were under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Moyes will hope that the club still have the same pulling power though as the 18 year old has already garnered a reputation as one of the best defensive talents in the country and has a long career ahead of him.