Luke Shaw informed Southampton he wanted to leave on the final day of last season.
Manchester United have submitted a £27m mega bid and are thought to be close to a deal.
BBC Sport says Shaw told the Southampton hierarchy of his desire to leave the club the same day they drew with United at St Mary's as the curtain came down on the 2014/14 season.
It is claimed the conversation happened at a club function after the game with a bid already officially submitted for the left back.
