Chelsea have key advantage in Shaw battle with Manchester United

The 18-year-old Southampton defender could favour a move to Stamford Bridge, while David Moyes is keen on extending Patrice Evra's stay at Old Trafford

Luke Shaw is set to be the subject of a £20 million-plus (€24m) tug-of-war for his services in the summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United have made if clear through third parties that they are prepared to pay up to £25m (€30m) to land the Southampton left-back.

However, the Blues have a significant geographical advantage as they lay the foundations for their pursuit of the teenager, who does not turn 19 until July.

Shaw's parents live in Raynes Park, the south-west London suburb that is only a short drive to the west London club's Cobham training base.

However, Chelsea's bid to capture the left-back is complicated by the fact that he is represented by Stellar Group, the same management firm who represent Ashley Cole.

With Cole out of contract at the end of the season, Stellar will have to balance the interests of England's left-back for the last decade and their emerging star.

As reported by Goal, Manchester United made a £20m move for Shaw on January and the Premier League champions are expected to step up their bid to sign him in the next window.

Sources expect Shaw to join the club that Stellar advise him to, with all signs point to him leaving St Mary's Stadium this summer.

- By Wayne Veysey

MANCHESTER UNITED LAUNCH EVRA CHARM OFFENSIVE

STAY FOR EVRA
EVRA'S 2013-14 STATS
GAMES PLAYED GOALS ASSISTS	36 2 5

Manchester United have started a full-blown charm offensive to keep Patrice Evra at Old Trafford for another season.

The French left-back is out of contract this summer but has an option in his present deal that would allow him to activate a 12-month extension.

Evra was set on calling time on his Old Trafford career and it was revealed this week that Inter are at the front of the queue.

But the 31-year-old has held a series of heart-to-heart talks with boss David Moyes, who has stressed the defender's importance to the camp.

Evra has promised to now make a quick decision. United have also offered a £10,000 (€12,000) a week pay hike on his present £77,000-a-week (€93,000) wages to stay.