IT’S SHAW LOOKING A BIG FIGHT

LUKE SHAW is stepping up his bid for Premier League action at Manchester United.

And the 22-year-old leftback – capped seven times by England – may only have until Christmas to fight for his Old Trafford career.

The £80,000-a-week defender will have just 18 months left on his contract when the transfer window opens again in January.

No talks have yet taken place or are scheduled about a new long-term deal.

The clever money says boss Jose Mourinho is set to make a decision on Shaw by Christmas to either extend his stay or cash in with United recouping some of the £27million they paid Southampton in 2014.

However, Shaw is closing in on a first-team comeback, having played two reserve games this season as he returns from ankle ligament surgery.

He expects to play another 90 minutes in Friday’s home match against Arsenal’s second string.

Shaw then hopes to break back into United’s side soon to earn a new deal.

Mourinho has an interest in two up-and-coming leftbacks – Fulham’s 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon and Celtic’s 20-year-old Kieran Tierney.

Mourinho may also firm up his interest in Tottenham’s unsettled

Danny Rose by offering Shaw in part-exchange.

Shaw established himself at Southampton under

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who remains a big fan.

Pochettino and his backroom staff saw Shaw in action last month playing 90 minutes as Spurs beat their United counterparts 3-0.

Shaw made 11 Premier League appearances last term and found himself repeatedly publicly criticised by Mourinho for his form, fitness and lifestyle.