From England's 'next Ashley Cole' to an outcast at Manchester United within the space of three years, Luke Shaw's career is in all kinds of turmoil right now.

The 22-year-old joined United from Southampton in 2014 as an exciting talent, but problems on and off the pitch have seen his progress halted.

He's made just two League Cup appearances this season and now there are rumours his career at the Theatre of Dreams is over.

It's Shaw's attitude that's proved most problematic, with Mauricio Pochettino - who managed Shaw at Southampton - explaining in his recent book that he lacks the right mentality.

"I felt his head was not in the right place to make the sacrifices and decisions that are necessary at that age," wrote the Tottenham boss.

Pochettino's comments came mere days after Shaw appeared to make a desperate 'come and get me' plea to his former manager.

What the future holds for the young Englishman is completely unclear, but when Jose Mourinho was asked last week if he could stay at United, the Portuguese said anything is possible.

"Why not?" Mourinho responded. "He has a future here but the situation is not easy because he comes from injury after injury after injury.

"He needs two, three, four, five or six matches in a row to play, to make mistakes, to get condition, to get match fitness and I cannot give him that.

"If he was a central midfielder then yes, because we only have two but at left back we have so many options. So the situation is not easy."

Mourinho insists Shaw's future isn't dead in the water just yet, but The Sun claim that isn't the case at all.

They believe Mourinho is looking to send Shaw out on loan this January with the view to sell him permanently next summer.

The Mirror have reinforced this claim, saying Shaw and Mourinho's relationship has completely broken down and now a January exit is imminent.

And the club Shaw wants to join? Southampton, of course.

Ryan Bertrand is a top target for Manchester City in the winter transfer window and if he leaves, the Saints will turn to Shaw as his long-term replacement.

Something must be done to rescue Shaw's floundering career and there are few better clubs that help him do that than Southampton.