Luke Shaw joins United, becomes most expensive British teen
Manchester United have landed their second signing in as many days.
They confirmed the arrival of left-back Luke Shaw from Southampton on a four year contract.
While the former Premier League champions did not disclose the fee, the BBC said the deal is worth an initial £27 million ($57.4m) which could rise to £31m.
The transfer makes the 18-year-old the most expensive British teenager.
It places him among the most expensive in the world, with the fee equalling the £27m shelled out by Paris Saint-Germain for then-19-year old Marquinhos from Roma last year.
Wayne Rooney was previously the most expensive British teen when he moved to Manchester United from Everton for an initial £20m in 2004.
Option to extend
Shaw, an England international, will have an option to extend his contract for an additional year.
He will be a long-term replacement for United stalwart Patrice Evra, who recently extended his stay at Old Trafford by a year.
Assistant manager Ryan Giggs told United's official website: "Luke is a very talented young left-back with great potential.
"He has developed immensely during his time at Southampton and has all the attributes to become a top player."
While the news will delight most people associated with the club, former United midfielder Paul Scholes made his feelings on the transfer known.
In his blog for Irish bookmakers Paddy Power, he said the exorbitant price tag for a left-back "shows how silly the game has gone".
Lallana for Liverpool
Shaw's former Saints teammate Adam Lallana, 26, is also expected to complete a move to the north of England.
The BBC reported that the English international had travelled to Merseyside for a medical ahead of a proposed move to Liverpool.
Sources: Manchester United official website, BBC
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