MANCHESTER, May 24 — Southampton’s left-back Luke Shaw’s prospective transfer to Manchester United has stalled, with the youngster considering his options and determined not to rush into any move, UK daily The Guardian reported.

According to The Guardian, former manager David Moyes was credited with doing much of the work in securing Shaw, and the club believed that signing Shaw was virtually a done deal. Alhough they remain in a strong position, they are no longer the favourites for the left-back.

Yesterday, the club gave French left-back Patrice Evra an extension of one year and this was seen as a recognition from United that the 20-times champions could yet miss out on Shaw.

If Evra had not been retained and the deal to sign Shaw falls through, that would have left the unconvincing Alexander Büttner as the sole left-back for Louis van Gaal, the new manager, according to The Guardian.

The daily also reported that this new development regarding Shaw is welcome news to a number of clubs both in the Premier League and on the continent who have an interest in the 18-year-old, with Chelsea among those monitoring the situation.

According to The Guardian, the west London club are currently keeping only a watching brief given their current financial situation, with it being understood that Chelsea are not willing to pay Southampton’s asking price of £30 million (RM162 million) and would offer Shaw a salary of around £60,000 a week compared with the £100,000 United were considering paying.

Furthermore Shaw’s inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad has elevated his status and this means he will move only to a club where he will be first-choice, The Guardian further reported.