Updated at 15.10

TEENAGE DEFENDER LUKE Shaw has signed for Manchester United from Southampton in a reported €33 million deal, it has been confirmed today.

A statement on the United website read as follows:

“Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Luke Shaw from Southampton Football Club. He joins on a four-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.”

Reacting to the news, the 18-year-old said: ”I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United. I have been at Southampton since I was eight years old and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.  I want to continue to progress my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and also looking forward to learning from the world-class players and management at the club.”

Assistant boss Ryan Giggs added: “Luke is a very talented young left-back with great potential. He has developed immensely during his time at Southampton and has all the attributes to become a top player. I am delighted he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to continue his development as a young player and eventually fulfil that promise.”

Shaw prematurely changed his Twitter bio to ‘Manchester United’ footballer earlier today, before promptly deleting it, as the news had yet to be officially announced.

The star earlier underwent a medical at Old Trafford.

‘He is an out-of-control womaniser, an Irishman without rules’ – Palermo axe Lafferty>

Greece star Georgios Samaras invites young Irish fan to the World Cup>