Bournemouth have agreed a deal with Manchester United to take defender Ethan Laird on loan for the rest of the season, according to a number of sources.
Laird, 20, is on loan at fellow Championship side Swansea, but United are set to recall him. Sky Sports report that Laird will have a medical in the next 48 hours before signing for the Championship leaders. The right-back has been an integral part of Swansea boss Russell Martin’s plans this season.
Laird has made 20 championship appearances in a variety of positions. The Basingstoke-born defender has played at right-back, right midfield and even at centre-back.
The Athletic reports that Laird’s transfer will see Bournemouth pay an increased loan fee. The Cherries will also pay higher proportion of the youngster’s Old Trafford wages.
Laird could also remain on loan at Bournemouth next season. There is apparently an option in the deal to extend the loan if Scott Parker’s side secure promotion to the Premier League.
United are believed to rate Laird highly. The Sun reports they see him as a “future first-team player”. And for that reason they want to see him develop with a side pushing for promotion.
Earlier in the season Laird said that the move to Swansea would push him “in the right direction”.
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Laird aspiring to play for United
Laird told WalesOnline: “As a young kid I always wanted to play for Manchester United. That’s something I have always aspired to do,” he explained.
“But you have to realise there are steps to take. Every person’s journey is different and there are things that you need to do to get to where you want to be.
“We have two loan managers who watch our games every week and contact us in the week at least twice, analysing our game, telling us what we can do better, what we can do well, what we should look forward to in the next game.
“Then the first-team staff will give you a message every now and…
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