Manchester United have cleared up space in their squad to sign Luke Shaw by selling ex-Saints target Alexander Buttner.

But the Daily Echo understands that reports suggesting United have tabled a world record £34m bid for England international Shaw are NOT true.

Saints were keen to sign Buttner two summers ago, before Sir Alex Ferguson hijacked any potential deal to take the left back to Old Trafford.

Dynamo Moscow-bound Buttner has made a total of only 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals, since joining from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer of 2012.

His fellow left-back Patrice Evra last month signed a new contract with the Red Devils, who remain very keen to sign 18-year-old starlet Shaw.

United tabled a bid of around £25m for Shaw back in May, but a national newspaper yesterday reported that Saints have received another offer of around £34m.

But it does not appear United have actually offered what would be a world transfer fee sum for a teenager.

Wayne Rooney is the world’s most expensive teen, with United paying Everton £27m for him ten years ago.