By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 07:59 EST, 25 February 2013 | UPDATED: 08:14 EST, 25 February 2013

Chelsea want Luke Shaw to succeed Ashley Cole as their first-choice left back after opening talks over a summer move.

Sportsmail can reveal the Blues had a 10million offer for the England Under 21 defender rejected by Southampton in January.

Chelsea also failed with a move for Shaw during the summer transfer window.

Target: Luke Shaw, in action against Newcastle on Sunday, has been picked out as the new Ashley Cole

Target: Luke Shaw, in action against Newcastle on Sunday, has been picked out as the new Ashley Cole

Great expectations: Shaw has long been tipped to leave Southampton for one of the Premier League big guns

Great expectations: Shaw has long been tipped to leave Southampton for one of the Premier League big guns

LUKE SHAW FACTFILE

Born: 12 July 1995, Kingston upon Thames

Age: 17

Clubs: Southampton

Appearances
2011-12 - 1
2012-13 - 19

England Under 16 - Six caps, one goal

England Under 17 - Eight caps, one goal

However, talks over a big-money move for Shaw are continuing, with Chelsea increasingly confident of landing the highly rated 17-year-old.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding who will be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season, Shaw remains a priority signing.

Having signed a 12-month extension to his contract, Cole's position as Chelsea's
first-choice left back is secure until the end of next season.

But Chelsea will still look to complete a deal for Shaw this summer and could loan the teenager back to Saints next season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and his influential chief scout Steve Rowley have also identified Shaw as a top target.

But Chelsea are now firmly in pole position to sign the defender, who is tipped to become a future England regular.

Established: England left back Cole, 32, has been at Stamford Bridge since joining from Arsenal in 2006

Established: England left back Cole, 32, has been at Stamford Bridge since joining from Arsenal in 2006


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He's a big chelsea fan too!

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cfcilldara , Ireland, Ireland.. Must be great to be able to see in to the future

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Great youth set up down Southampton

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will be a super signing - Betrand was exposed against Juventus. PS-Sacking Rafa should be top priority.

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If he has any sense, he'll stay where he is, it'll be far better for his career in the long run.

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When all else fails but the opposition at any cost! - Captain McKay, London, 25/2/2013 15:20 you're at this article too? Still bitter I see - telling_the_truth, somewhere, United Kingdom, 25/02/2013 16:47 As I can wind people like you up then I will continue! Loving it! Who will you attempt to buy tomorrow? The PL, FA, FIFA, UEFA please enlighten us! Is it 3 players for every position or 4 that you want?

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I swear he just committed himself to the club and signed a new contract, this is made up

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When all else fails but the opposition at any cost! - Captain McKay, London, 25/2/2013 15:20 you're at this article too? Still bitter I see

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Our loaned players will beat our spiritless team easily...no hunger at all... ..bring back lukaku bruyne van aanholt courtius kalas ... .sell benayoun marin and torres essien and mikel asap Sign moyes ..history shows that homecomings don't end well so no jose..

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Tough ask to replace a player who has been one of the best in his posistion for a good while now. Is he good enough to make the step up? I'd have my doubts.

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