According to The Guardian, Shaw has already chosen United over the likes of Chelsea, but doubts still remain over whether a deal can be done before the World Cup begins in June.
Southampton, who are currently without a manager, are in the process of finalising various player deals involving Rickie Lambert to Liverpool and the futures of Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez, and Dejan Lovren.
What looks likely is that Shaw will sign for United, despite the fact their long-term future as an elite club is currently in some doubt.
United are hoping to sign Shaw before the World Cup due to the fact the if he stars at the world showpiece in Brazil he could become far more in demand from other clubs and his transfer price ‘could hit the roof’.
The Red Devils have to complete the deal before next Sunday, when England fly to their pre-World Cup training camp before heading to Rio de Janeiro.
England boss Roy Hodgson has warned his players that they should not come to Brazil with doubts lingering over their futures at club level.