News of the World says Untied boss Sir Alex Ferguson has monitored the 21-year-old’s progress and nearly made a move the defender during the summer.
Shawcross left United and joined Stoke in a £1million deal at the start of 2008.
Fergie is keen to bring in Shawcross as the youngster would be eligible to feature for the club in the Champions League knockout stages.
United included two clauses in the deal that saw Shawcross join Stoke. Stoke must give United first option on the player and the Red Devils also have a significant sell-on clause.
