Transfer News: Manchester United starlet Ethan Laird on the radars of Blackpool
According to transfer news from The Sun’s Alan Nixon (h/t The 72), Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird has emerged as a target for Blackpool, who have made a late attempt to hijack Swansea City’s pursuit of the defender.
A product of the Manchester United youth academy setup, Laird made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in the UEFA Europa League during the 2019/20 season, racking up two appearances.
The young right-back spent the last season out on loan at MK Dons and made a solid impression. Unfortunately for him, Laird picked up an injury on the final day of the season. Now back to fitness, the defender is unlikely to have a pathway into the first-team as things stand.
Indeed, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has the starting berth at right-back locked in, while Diogo Dalot looks set for a stay at Old Trafford after impressing in pre-season. With the competition for places being as it is, the 20-year-old Laird would be better off going out on loan where he can develop himself.
A loan move to Swansea City had been touted, with Russel Martin, who managed Laird at MK Dons, taking over the reins at the Liberty Stadium. However, Blackpool have now made a late swoop to try and sign the 20-year-old from under the noses of their EFL Championship rivals.
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It seems a given that Laird leaves Manchester United on loan in the coming days. What now remains to be seen is if the talented 20-year-old ends up at Swansea City or Blackpool for the rest of the 2021/22 campaign.