LUKE Shaw is being linked with a world record move to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The 18-year-old Saints left back has long been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

But now a national newspaper claims City could offer £30m for the England Under-21 international.

That would make Shaw the most expensive full back in football history, with Barcelona having paid £29.5m to land Dani Alves six years ago from Sevilla.

Shaw, who was first linked with City two years ago, has continually stated he is happy at Saints after signing a new five year deal on his 18th birthday last summer.

And manager Mauricio Pochettino has repeatedly stated Shaw is not leaving St Mary’s.

Prior to last month’s home loss to Tottenham, Pochettino said of Shaw: “It’s a very clear situation. “The player wants to stay and the club is not willing to sell.

“What we also need to consider is he still only 18, still progressing, still learning how to be an experienced player, so we need to be very calm about the situation.

“It is taking him some time to mature as a player and I think all these rumours and this speculation around him is not beneficial for him. It’s negative for him.

“It’s also very clear what the project here at Southampton is – it’s a project of young players and Luke Shaw is a prime example of a young player who has come up through the ranks in this club.

“What’s clear is that the player is not for sale and the player has stated he doesn’t want to go anywhere else.

“Other clubs can show their interest, they can come, and journalists can write whatever they want, but it’s very clear that the player is not for sale and does not want to go anywhere.

“He is an 18-year-old player, he is growing, he is maturing, he needs to develop himself psychologically, mentally, tactically, technically.”