A £20m bid from Chelsea for Southampton defender Luke Shaw could result in a left-back merry-go-round in the Premier League.
The Blues are expected to launch a bid for the 18-year-old when the transfer window opens, according to the Daily Telegraph.
That would render Ryan Bertrand, who is already on the fringes, surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. He would be allowed to make a switch to Everton.
The Toffees could then cash-in on Leighton Baines. It is widely believed that the England star wants to move to Manchester United.
Although the champions made at least two bids for him in the summer, Baines was unwilling to agitate for a move.
But the signing of Bertrand, coupled with the fact that Baines’ stock will not get any higher as he moves into the final 18 months of his contract, could allow him to be reunited with David Moyes at Old Trafford.
Bertrand, aged 24, is also wanted by Sunderland, Liverpool and Southampton themselves, which could lead to the Champions League winner being offered directly in part-exchange for Shaw and thwarting the merry-go-round before it’s even got started.
Saints’ executive chairman Nicola Cortese maintains that Shaw is not for sale, but the Blues will still attempt to open talks.
If Cortese refuses to discuss selling in January, they will try to strike up an agreement that will see the transfer completed in the summer.
