Newcastle launch enquiry for Manchester United star Luke Shaw but put off by £20m asking price
Jose Mourinho is unwilling to make a loss on the English defender as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his defence
RAFA BENITEZ has made an enquiry about Luke Shaw – but has been put off by his £20million pricetag.
The Newcastle boss wants a left-back in January and was keen on Manchester United’s out-of-favour England international.
But even though the Red Devils are willing to take a £7m hit on the £27m they paid to sign Shaw from Southampton in 2014, that is still too much for the penny-pinching Toon.
And a loan move also appears out of the question with Jose Mourinho wanting to sell the full-back permanently.
Shaw, 22, moved from the Saints when Louis van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford but his career suffered a huge setback when he broke his leg in September 2015.
Since returning to fitness, the seven-cap Three Lions defender has failed to impress Mourinho, making just two appearances off the bench in the Carabao Cup this season.
Turkish giants Fenerbahce also asked about Shaw last month but the Englishman was not interested in that move.
Toon chief Benitez, meanwhile, is desperate for cover on the left of his back four having badly missed Paul Dummett since the Geordie injured his hamstring on the opening weekend.
TOON LITTLE Benitez to have limited funds if Ashley is still Newcastle owner in January
Centre-half Chancel Mbemba and right-back Javier Manquillo have been filling in for Dummett, who is back in training but is still not fit to face Chelsea tomorrow.
Manchester United revealed earlier this month that they will sell Shaw for £20m after telling the defender he is no longer needed at Old Trafford.
