Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City in Tug-for-War for Luke Shaw

Southampton star Luke Shaw is expected to become one of the most coveted players this summer as reports indicate that several big-money teams are preparing to make a run at him.

English Premier League (EPL) teams Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham are reportedly interested in acquiring the 18-year-old defender. Previous rumors suggested that Shaw, who is expected to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, prefers to play for Chelsea because he has reportedly been Blues fan since childhood.

Chelsea, led by manager Jose Mourinho, reportedly tried to acquire Shaw in January, but no deal was reached. The Blues, though, are expected to resume their pursuit this summer.

"Shaw, a boyhood Chelsea fan, has set his heart on London rather than Manchester when the time comes to move," Mirror UK reported. "It is believed that Southampton will sell, but that it is far more likely to happen in the summer - when Chelsea believe they will get their man."

While Chelsea is considered as the favorite to land Shaw, Mirror UK also reported that Spanish La Liga giant Real Madrid is also closely monitoring Shaw's progress. Mirror UK's Darren Lewis noted that Real could trump the Premier League teams who are pursuing Shaw, considering the fact that the Spanish squad has shown willingness to spend lots of money as proven by their Gareth Bale signing last summer.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino said that he is not surprised at the attention Shaw is getting at this point of his young career, saying that the England international is already the best left-back in the world.

Pochettino told the Daily Star that Shaw, who is expected to be valued around £30m (USD $49,935,000), which could be a world record fee for a full-back, deserves to play for big-name teams like Real Madrid.

"Madrid or any team in the world. He can play in the world starting 11," Pochettino said of Shaw. "He has the quality to do so. I am not sure he is not already the best left-back in the world. The fact he was called up by the England national side to be among the senior team is already quite an amazing achievement."