Newcastle United “monitoring” Manchester United and England star amid contract claims

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on Manchester United and England defender Luke Shaw.

The former Southampton left-back has endured contrasting fortunes since joining the 13-time Premier League champions in a £33.75m deal in the summer of 2014.

Shaw has made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils and helped the club win the Europa League in 2017 and reach the final of the same competition four years later.

The 27-year-old also became a key part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad and scored their goal in the Euro 2020 Final defeat against Italy.

Shaw remained in the Three Lions squad for the recent Nations League games with Italy and Germany - although Southgate was forced to defend his selection.

Speaking after the defeat in Milan, the England manager said: “What do we do? Not pick Luke Shaw because he’s not playing enough football, or do we pick a player who can do what you saw there on Monday night?

“It’s always going to raise debate but, in these moments, we have got to back our best, most experienced players, unless we are in a situation where it’s almost untenable or impossible to pick them.”

Shaw has made two starts for Eric ten Hag’s side this season and came on as a half-time substitute in last weekend’s 6-3 derby defeat against local rivals Manchester City.

However, Shaw’s long-term future at Old Trafford is in doubt as he moves into the final year of his current contract.

Football Insider have reported Newcastle will continue to ‘monitor’ the situation and could make a cut-price offer for the defender during the January transfer window to provide competition for regular left-back Matt Targett.

The report continues to suggest the Magpies recruitment team view Shaw as an ‘upgrade’ on the former Aston Villa defender.

However, Manchester United could put an end to any hopes of tempting the left-back to Tyneside as they hold a one-year option on Shaw’s contract.