Luke Shaw is fighting for his Manchester United future after reports claimed that South American starlet Guilherme Arana could be set to join the club in January.
Arana, who currently plies his trade with Corinthians in Brazil, is believed to be close to a dream move to Old Trafford after his agent held talks with United over a possible move in the winter transfer window.
The Sun, among other news outlets, claims that the 20-year-old is seen as a long-term option at left-back under United manager Jose Mourinho - with Shaw set to be the fall guy following criticism levelled at the England international by his club boss.
Guilherme Arana's agent pictured at Man United ahead of the January transfer window https://t.co/S1kVQ6O61H #MUFC
Shaw was expected to cement his place in the starting line-up with the Red Devils after he missed almost the entirety of last term with a horrific knee injury, but the former Southampton man has failed to live up to expectations so far this season and could be due to be ousted by Arana in just two months' time.
Arana has impressed scouts from a swathe of Premier League clubs for his current employers, and also starred against England's Under-20s side earlier in the campaign.
A football insider now claims that it is only a matter of time before Arana is seen in a United shirt, after his agent jetted into Manchester on Tuesday to begin discussions over his client heading across the Atlantic to England's top flight, and force Shaw out of contention in the process.
Mourinho has twice criticised Shaw for his attitude this season, with the Portuguese boss questioning his desire to play for the club against Swansea City before the international break and condemning the 21-year-old for a poor performance earlier in the season - criticism that has left Shaw both baffled and frustrated with the former Chelsea gaffer.
One ray of light that may allow Shaw a stay of execution, however, is Arana's lack of senior football for the Brazilian national side and, therefore, the possibility that a work permit may be unattainable at the present time.
United would have the opportunity to appeal on the grounds of exceptional talent if they were dismissed in their attempts to get a work permit for Arana, but even that could allow Shaw at least one more chance to show that he is the man to fill the left-back role under Mourinho in Manchester.
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