Luke Shaw is stepping up his bid for a first team return at Manchester United where he may only have until Christmas to rescue his Old Trafford career.
Shaw has 22 months left on his United contract after the club took up a one-year option to extend his deal until 2019.
But Mirror Sport understands no talks have yet taken place or are scheduled about a new long-term contract.
The England left-back, 22, who earns £80,000-a-week, will have just 18 months left when the transfer window re-opens in January.
United are unlikely to let him get to next summer with just one-year left on his contract.
Boss Jose Mourinho now looks set to make a decision on Shaw by Christmas to either extend his stay or cash in.
Shaw, who cost £27million from Southampton in 2014 on a four-year deal, is closing in on a return to first team contention.
Shaw has played two reserve games this term as he returns from ankle ligament surgery. He expects to play his latest 90 minutes this week in Friday’s home match against Arsenal’s second string.
Shaw then hopes to break back into United’s side soon to earn a new deal. Otherwise the left-back, who has seven England caps, fears he will be replaced.
Mourinho has an interest in both Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon, 17, and Celtic’s 20-year-old full-back Kieran Tierney.Plus Mourinho may also firm up his interest in Spurs’ unsettled England ace Danny Rose in January by offering Shaw in part-exchange.
Shaw established himself at Southampton under Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who remains a big fan.
Pochettino and his backroom staff saw Shaw in action live last month playing 90 minutes in Spurs’ reserves 3-0 win over United at Stevenage.
Shaw is now looking for another 90 minutes to complete his rehabilitation to full fitness after his injury against Swansea last April.
Shaw only made 11 Premier League appearances last term and found himself repeatedly publicly criticised by Mourinho for his form, fitness and lifestyle.
But Mourinho still invited Shaw and United’s other crocks on the club’s pre-season tour of USA.
The star has been linked with moves away from United but would ideally like to make a success of his Old Trafford transfer.
