COMMENT: It's a mess. Luke Shaw and Manchester United. Was there a bigger career plummet over the last year?
He was the golden boy. The best of his generation. Potentially the best left-back of England's modern era. Or so they said. This wasn't fans making these claims, but icons. Gary Neville said as much. As did his old United pal Rio Ferdinand. But now...?
The career's in turmoil. A clean slate? A fresh start in preseason? Well, that's been wrote off. Ankle surgery means he'll miss the bulk of preseason. He can't even get away. How do you put a price on a player, no matter his reputation, in traction - and on the back of a misfiring, spluttering season?
Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham have been mentioned. Pochettino would welcome the opportunity to work with his former Southampton protege again. But how does Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, put a value on Shaw? Would the usually frugal Levy even entertain such a gamble? A return to St Mary's has also been mooted, but could Saints afford him? And would Shaw's ego allow him to take such a step back?
The positive, his supporters will argue, is that Shaw has been told he is expected to be in United's tour party. Jose Mourinho has told the England international he can continue his rehab in the 'States. A positive, sure. But the manager has relayed this message to every senior member of his squad. Shaw's no special case.
And when he does get himself fit, the problems of last season will still be there. The doubts over his work ethic. His tactical nous. His willingness to play through the pain barrier. Before breaking down against Swansea City, Shaw had offered little in the way of silencing such criticism. And the problem facing him now, with no preseason to catch the manager's eye, is that United are moving on.
The reshaping of Mourinho's defence has begun. Victor Lindelof has finally arrived, six months after a deal had been put in place with Benfica. For many in Sweden, they see Lindelof kicking off his Old Trafford career at right-back, though this week's developments suggest otherwise.
It's emerged Mourinho, while in negotiations for Lindelof, also had a bid tabled for his Benfica teammate Nelson Semedo. Luiz Felipe Vieira, the Benfica president, was prepared to do business, though not for the €35 million Mourinho - via United exec Ed Woodward - had tabled. But Semedo remains in play and from Portugal we're learning that Vieira this week took a call from Woodward about reopening talks - which he's since obliged.
Like Lindelof, Semedo is versatile. Where the Swede is comfortable at right-back and centre-half, Semedo can also play in midfield.
Recalling Semedo's time at Fatima, veteran Portuguese coach Bruno Baltazar - well known to Mourinho - revealed: "He was a midfielder. And a very good one.
"He had incredible qualities, a very good technique, he scored a few goals. I didn't expect him to become a fullback because he began as an attacking midfielder.
"But I've heard he's very settled in his current position at Benfica."
So a centre-half who can play at right-back has arrived. And a fullback who can play in midfield is the subject of a bid. Two multi-purpose players, but no threat to Shaw, right? Perhaps not, but there has to be concern for the England left-back.
There's no argument now. Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are ahead of the England international in Mourinho's thinking. Their ability to play successfully in several positions earning them time to win over the manager after appearing to be on their way out.
It can be argued that Shaw is the most natural left-back of the three. But the versatility of his two senior teammates not only earned them a reprieve, but eventually the trust of Mourinho. And the manager's pursuit of both Lindelof and Semedo suggests this multi-purpose quality is what he is seeking from his defenders next season.
Even Fabinho, the AS Monaco wing-back, as intermediaries have told Tribalfootball.com this week, is seen by Mourinho not only as a potential fullback signing, but also one who can thrive in a holding midfield role.
Apart from left-back, where else is Shaw a natural fit?
Inside Carrington, the feeling is Shaw still has a long-term future at United - which is an opinion also shared by the manager.
But it may mean taking a step back - and away - next season in order to prove himself. Mourinho hinted as much during one of his many public dressing downs of Shaw last season.
"I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he way he commits, the focus, the ambition. He is a long way behind," Mourinho said, just in April, of Shaw.
"Joe Hart is an English international and is playing on loan in Italy."
Which could be the solution for Shaw - if he is to break a cycle which has a promising career now at a crossroads.
