Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United defender Luke Shaw during the January transfer window.
Shaw has only made three appearances for the Red Devils this season due to injury problems, with the England international missing the start of the campaign with a calf issue, while he is currently sidelined with a muscular problem.
The 29-year-old is not due to return to the field for another few weeks, but Man United head coach Ruben Amorim insisted after the left-back's recent setback that he still has full faith in the ex-Southampton youngster.
Amorim told Amazon Prime Video earlier this month: "What I said to him, as a coach is, that since I am here, I saw him in the medical department. I saw him in the gym. I saw him losing weight. I saw him training.
"So he did everything right. Sometimes, when you have one or two injuries, it's really hard to recover. If he continues with this behaviour, doing everything he can, I will be here. All the staff will be here, as long as it takes.
"We believe a lot in him, he's so important for our team. For the future, I see in this team, Luke is a very important player for us."
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Napoli 'eyeing January move' for Shaw
According to NapoliCalcioLive, Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is keen on Shaw, with the Italian outfit potentially testing the waters with a bid during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Amorim is planning for life without Shaw, and Napoli are planning to make an ambitious move during the winter market, but it remains to be seen whether Man United are open to a sale.
The left-sided wing-back position remains hugely problematic for Man United, with Diogo Dalot unconvincing in that area, while Tyrell Malacia has struggled after returning from a lengthy lay-off with a serious knee injury.
Man United have allegedly made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes, with the Portugal international said to have emerged as the English club's leading target in that position.
The Red Devils are also believed to have agreed a deal for 17-year-old left-back Diego Leon, with the youngster set to arrive from Cerro Porteno during next summer's transfer window.
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Should Man United entertain any offers for Shaw?
When fit, Shaw is one of the best left-backs in European football, while he has also previously excelled as a left-sided centre-back, suggesting that he could thrive in a back three under Amorim.
However, there are serious concerns when it comes to his long-term fitness due to ongoing muscular problems, and it is therefore not a surprise that Man United are looking to bring in another left-sided defender.
Man United should not be looking to let Shaw leave in January unless a substantial offer arrives, though, as there is still hope that the Englishman can fully overcome the injury issues which have seen his career stall.
Matt Law
