Stephen Pond/EMPICS SportManchester United are expected to confirm the signing of Southampton's 18 year old left back Luke Shaw later today, with a reported fee of £30 million, according to Sky Sports News. Shaw is a long term United target and offers the attributes of defending and attacking from his position. United's own Patrice Evra has performed admirably in that role over the years, but with the Frenchman now aged 33, Shaw is expected to replace him. The price tag will instantly elevate Shaw into being the world's most expensive teenager, although given his young age United will expect that investment to pay for itself over potentially a very long time with the club. Shaw is an astute young player, honoured in the left back position for the 2013/2014 PFA team of the year. He earned that award after an impressive season with Southampton, pushing the club to an 8th place Premier League finish. He has been compared to Gareth Bale for his pace and technical ability, coming from the same Southampton youth system which produced Bale, and playing much the same position and style as the welshman did in his early career. This marks United's second purchase in two days. They picked up Ander Herrera on Thursday for around £29 million. The 24 year old Herrera has proved an impressive playmaker at Athletic Bilbao and United will be hoping the Spaniard adds extra control to United's insecure midfield area. In analysing United's business, you can tell they are trying to avoid the mistakes of a year ago. They are getting in early and getting their targets at all costs. To buy young is always a risk and the club could be in danger of finding themselves with expensive busts, but the hope will be for United fans that they've got the injection of class they needed to compete for a top four finish again.