Reports: Barcelona set to make shock swoop for Manchester United star

What's the rumour?

Barcelona have been linked with a few left-backs in the last few days and now latest reports in the Mirror claim that the Catalan giants are ready to make a shock swoop for out of favour Manchester United left-back, Luke Shaw.

The 22-year-old Englishman has found opportunities hard to come by at Old Trafford this season with Jose Mourinho preferring to start Ashley Young. With Shaw's contract running out next season, Red Devils might be looking to cash in on the talented youngster.

In case you didn't know...

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has not been shy to criticise the left-back for his lackluster performances this season. In fact, the 'special one' singled out the talented youngster during his post-match comments after United's 2-0 win against Brighton.

"It was really important the two full-backs were aggressive and I didn't have that with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia.

"I didn't change both of them because then I would have only one more substitution. But to try to change our offensive football and be more aggressive, I had to change one of them and I decided Luke.

"At least Antonio was capable of some good positioning. Every time they went in Luke's corridor the cross was coming in. I was not happy with his performance."

The heart of the matter

While Jordi Alba has been in fine form for Barcelona this season, the Catalan giants are reportedly looking to add more depth and quality to their defence. Lucas Digne has made only 13 starts this season and the Frenchman could depart the Camp Nou in search of regular playing time.

Although Luke Shaw has not been at his best this season, Barcelona reportedly believe that the Englishman has the required skill set to succeed at Camp Nou. Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested in the left-back and it will be interesting to see where Shaw will be playing next season.

Rumour rating/probability

6/10

It looks like Shaw's time at Manchester United is coming to an end. With Mourinho not a huge fan of Shaw's talents, the 22-year-old could actually prove to be an intelligent and relatively cheap addition to the Barca squad.

Video

Shaw definitely has the potential to become a world-class left-back.

Author's take

Luke Shaw has had a torrid last few months at Manchester United and a new start could do a world of good for the England international. With Shaw's contract running out at the end of next season, a bid from Barcelona might just convince the Red Devils to cash in on the left-back.