Man United outcast could solve Liverpool’s defensive problem

Just over two years ago, he was considered one of the hottest prospects in English football, eventually signing for Manchester United in a deal worth £32m. But since then, he’s faced nine months on the sidelines, and is now trying to force his way into the starting XI under a new manager who previously claimed that signing him for his previous club would have killed team morale.

So where does Luke Shaw stand right now?

Well, United manager Jose Mourinho has made it pretty clear the defender has no future at Old Trafford, having singled him out on numerous occasions after poor performances already this season.

But the 21-year-old still has his whole career ahead of him. And given Mourinho’s public humiliation of Shaw, it’s hard to see how the Special One can demand anything near to what United departed with for the left-back.

That means he’d be available on the cheap, and there’s a side nearby who’d almost certainly snap him up, especially given their need for a quality option in that area of the field.

Step forward, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

Right now, the Reds are exploiting James Milner’s versatility by opting to play him at the back. But this is hardly a long-term solution, especially given that Milner is approaching the latter stages of his career.

Adam Lallana has already defended his international teammate once this season following criticism from Mourinho. Does that mean he wants the United star at Anfield?

If Shaw can rediscover the kind of form that forced United to fork out as much as they did for the England man a year ago, it won’t be long before a whole host of Europe’s elite clubs start queuing up for the former Southampton man.

But, with Liverpool in need of a left-back at the earliest opportunity if they are to sustain a genuine title challenge throughout the course of the season, Klopp could place himself at the front of that queue by making a bid in January.

And as things stand, Shaw would stand a much better chance at winning the title this season were he to switch Manchester for Merseyside.

The Reds are currently sitting at the top of the table, some eight points ahead of United. And, unlike many of their title-chasing rivals, they have no European football to speak of this season, meaning their sole aim is to mount a serious challenge for domestic silverware.

Add Luke Shaw to their ranks, and they may do just that.

So what do fans think? Would a Red Devil be welcomed at Anfield with open arms? Would Mourinho be crazy to let Shaw leave? Have your say in the comments section below!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing