Luke Shaw to 'agree' new Man United contract - but could be 'immediately' replaced

Manchester United are hopeful of agreeing a new contract for Luke Shaw to end any speculation about his future.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season as things stand, but is viewed as a crucial player by Michael Carrick, who is keen to keep him around long-term.

The left-back played in every Premier League game last season, and despite suffering with a minor injury this term, concerns about his fitness have eased massively.

As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that work is ongoing behind the scenes to reach an agreement over a new contract for Shaw.

That is despite ongoing speculation about the Red Devils' plans to make major changes at the back, with a new left-back high on their list of pirorities since the summer.

Those plans are not believed to have changed, and while Shaw is likely to pen a new deal at Man United, he could also see himself replaced in the not-so-distant future.

Will Luke Shaw sign a new contract at Man United?

Football Insider revealed on 29 September that Man United are planning to hold talks with Shaw over the possibility of signing a new contract after the turn of the year.

There is a belief the England international still has a part to play long-term, even if a new left-back is signed in 2027, and work is being done to prevent his exit next summer.

Carrick is a big admirer of Shaw, who has stepped up his performances since the boss' arrival, and that show of faith could result in a new deal being agreed.

"Man United want Luke Shaw to sign a new contract, because they don't want to lose him for free," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's still a big part of the team, Michael Carrick really likes him and values him as a regular starter, and I think those long-term concerns about his injuries have been dismissed.

"He played every game last year and was consistently impressive. He may not be the best left-back in the world, but he does the job that's asked of him every week.

"So there is hope they can agree a new contract, despite all the talk about signing a new left-back when they missed out during the summer.

"I don't think that plan is going to change, by the way. They still want to sign a left-back. But they also want to keep Shaw around and he will still have a role to play.

"There had been suggestions in the summer that a left-back would be signed imminently, that obviously didn't happen, but now they're going to look in January and next summer."

Which left-backs are on Man United's radar?

As part of their plans to strengthen at left-back regardless of Shaw's future, Man United have been assessing a number of potential targets to bolster the position.

Newcastle United star Lewis Hall had been their top target during the summer window, but he has since penned a new deal, forcing them to consider other options.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United are keeping a close eye on Crystal Palace star Tyrick Mitchell, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The left-back ticks multiple boxes for Carrick's side, with his consistency, reliability, defensive ability and recent improvements to his attacking game impressing watching scouts.

While Crystal Palace are determiend to agree a new contract for Mitchell, and work is being done towards that end, there is a feeling he could have his head turned.