Manchester United considering swap deal involving academy starlet Ethan Laird to sign Norwich defender Max Aarons
According to Football League World (h/t Express), Manchester United are considering a swap deal ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window involving academy starlet Ethan Laird in order to sign Norwich City defender Max Aarons.
Aarons has been one of Norwich’s few bright spots in a season that has seen them suffer relegation back into the Championship. They finished at the bottom of the table in the Premier League this time around, managing to only spend a single campaign back in the top flight.
Given their relegated status, Aarons could be available in the summer transfer window, with Norwich said to be ‘bracing’ themselves for offers from interested teams. United are one such club who are keen on securing his services from the next season.
The Red Devils currently have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the first team squad who operate in the position, but neither of them has been able to hold their ground against stronger opposition. Wan-Bissaka in particular seems to have regressed in his form this term.
Laird out, Aarons in
A new option may be needed at right-back, and the Manchester side has identified Aarons as a potential transfer target. They are said to be considering a swap deal in order to snap up the 22-year-old, with Laird going the other way.
Laird has not come close to establishing himself in the senior side as yet and spent the previous campaign on loan at Swansea and Bournemouth. His performances have been impressive for the Championship outfits and he could be loaned out to Norwich, with Aarons heading to Old Trafford.
It is a move that could be beneficial for both teams as well as the players. Aarons has proven that he has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League, and Norwich’s relegation this term could prove to be a blessing in disguise as he finally makes a move to a bigger club.
Laird, meanwhile, is continuing his development by spending loan spells in the lower division, hoping to break into the United first team in the near future. Only 20, he has enough time on his hands to prove his worth and build more skills into his repertoire.
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We saw Brandon Williams head to Norwich on loan earlier in the season and was hugely impressive for the Canaries. Perhaps Laird can achieve the same result, so he returns to Manchester with an enhanced reputation.
Although it remains to be seen if the Elland Road outfit will take up this swap deal offer, it could be a way to convince them to part with their £25m-rated defender. Both parties could stand to benefit from this deal, as Norwich could use the money to invest in other stars and look to gain promotion to the top flight once again.
