Southampton left back Luke Shaw could be in for a busy summer after rumours of a £27m bid from Manchester United emerged shortly after Chelsea left back Ashley Cole tweeted the news that he had been left out of the England squad by Roy Hodgson.
Cole said on Twitter tonight: “I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now.
He added: “it’s hurt me to stop playing for my country #proud and #honoured.”
Cole’s words could spell trouble for veteran United midfielder Michael Carrick, 32, who along with Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, 35, could find themselves out of the main squad when it’s officially revealed on Monday at 2pm.
Saints chairman Ralph Krueger has already admitted that they expected bids for several of their players who have had an outstanding season, finishing 8th just below United.
In addition to Shaw, his English Southampton team mates Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and even right back Calum Chambers have attracted admiring glances from other Premier League clubs.
Even the Saints manager is in demand, with rumours of a bid by Tottenham to take their Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino emerging today.
United’s left back situation has been a topic of discussion since last summer with public bids for Everton’s Leighton Baines rejected. Baines now looks set to be first choice left back for England at the World Cup this summer with Shaw almost certain to be on the plane to Rio this summer too.
United’s own left back situation could be up in the air this summer as Patrice Evra, 32, is out of contract and may opt to move on as his fellow defender and United captain Nemanja Vidic has done with Inter Milan potentially seeking to do a deal to reunite the two United defenders at the San Siro.
Alexander Buttner may not be the solution for United having played just 15 times this season while the future of ex-captain Rio Ferdinand is also currently unknown.