Ethan Laird is set to join Bournemouth on loan for the second half of the season, according to The Athletic, in a blow to his current side Swansea City.
It is believed that the Cherries will pay a larger loan fee to Manchester United and that has been the reason for him being recalled.
Ethan Laird Set for Bournemouth Loan
Swansea Lose Loan Star
The United defender has been on loan with Championship side Swansea for the first half of the season, but looks set to join Scott Parker’s Bournemouth for the remainder of the campaign.
Swansea boss Russell Martin has been impressed with Laird playing him 20 times at right-back, so this will come as a shock, leaving the club searching for a replacement.
Speaking last month, the 20-year-old was looking like he would remain in Wales.
“There’s nothing to worry about, that has to be the message through the whole club,” he said to the Manchester Evening News.
“We know we are capable of being one of the best teams in the league. The way we play, there is no-one else who plays the way we play.
“I strongly believe that, and I think everyone involved with the club believes it. The gaffer has implemented a style in such a short period of time, and everyone has been so happy when it has clicked and gone well.”
Martin’s side have lost their last three matches and sit in 17th place, precariously above the drop zone.
The former Norwich City defender is no stranger to Laird, as the 20-year-old played under him at MK Dons. He is a pacy, attacking right wing-back, typifying the style of play Martin wants to deploy. Swansea will have a tough job now to find a direct replacement in the January transfer window.
Premier League
Laird wants to get the required experience to eventually break into the Manchester United first team, and should he join Bournemouth as expected, he could remain on loan should they gain promotion to the Premier League. Currently Parker’s team sit top of the Championship.
Laird was sent out on loan as he is currently behind Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order at Old Trafford. The news will be welcomed at Bournemouth but leaves Swansea with a huge hole to fill.
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