Luke Shaw has revealed he has been tapping up players in the England camp as he tries to pursue a "few" of them to join Manchester United this summer.
The Three Lions face North Macedonia at Old Trafford in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday and the England squad have spent the weekend training at United's Carrington training ground. They flew back on Saturday after Friday's 4-0 win over Malta and went straight up to Manchester.
During the Three Lions' trip to United's training base, Shaw was seen showing Declan Rice and Harry Kane around the complex. He posted a picture on Instagram with the caption "Carrington tour", alongside eye emojis. Kane and Rice have been heavily linked with a move to United all summer as Erik ten Hag tries to bolster his squad.
Ahead of the Three Lions' clash with North Macedonia, manager Gareth Southgate and Shaw spoke to the press. Southgate was first questioned about the transfer links inside the dressing room and how that has impacted the dynamic of the group.
He said: "I haven't felt the need to say anything. The players are tapping each-other up anyway on the quiet. I can't do anything about that, but these things run their course, they happen in their own time. You can't force it as a player, you've got to accept it.
"You can't get frustrated, don't ask all summer, you don't need to be updated on every call that happens. There's a lot of negotiations that happens. I remember as a player getting wrapped up in every detail of that, and in the end, there is only a small amount you can actually control.
"I think all of those things will happen later on in the summer. The players understand that and they know the focus for the next 36 hours is this game, finishing the season well and making sure we're sat on 12 points."
Shaw was then asked a similar question. He said: "There's a few (players he is tapping up). It's all a bit of banter really, we have a joke and a laugh about it. I am not too sure what goes on behind the scenes, because it is to do with the club. But of course when we're here and together we have a joke about it."
Whilst Shaw would no doubt be keen to see Kane and Rice move to the North West, deals at this stage for both look unlikely. The Red Devils have already been forced to abandon their interest in the Tottenham striker due to Daniel Levy’s demands. Rice on the other hand appears slightly more attainable.
West Ham owner David Sullivan has already confirmed that the midfielder will be allowed to leave the London Stadium should a suitable offer be lodged for him. There is severe competition for his services though, with Arsenal and Manchester City both interested.
