Ethan Laird is set to undergo a medical at AFC Bournemouth after Manchester United reached an agreement with the Championship club over a loan deal.

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (03/01, 10:40), the defender is set to undergo examinations within the next 48 hours before completing a move to the Vitality Stadium.

Currently out on loan at Swansea City, Laird will be recalled from the Welsh outfit before being sent to their Championship rivals AFC Bournemouth.

Since joining the Jacks on a temporary deal last summer, the defender has featured regularly for the club in second-tier.

During his time at the Swansea.com Stadium, Laird has made 20 Championship appearances for the club whilst he has also lined up for Russell Martin's side in the League Cup.

Used predominantly as a wing-back by Swansea, Laird has managed to illustrate some signs of promise in an attacking sense as he has provided four assists in all competitions.

Providing that a deal is finalised between the Red Devils and the Cherries, the 20-year-old is set to compete with Jack Stacey for position at the club as the defender has made 17 appearances for the Championship leaders this season.

The Verdict

It could be argued that all of the parties involved in this deal could benefit from this switch.

Laird may be able to make further strides in terms of his development by featuring on a regular basis for the Cherries in the coming months which in turn will result in him returning to Old Trafford as a much more accomplished player.

Bournemouth meanwhile are in need of a new right-back due to the fact that Adam Smith is currently being forced to watch on from the sidelines due to a knee injury and thus Laird may fit the bill.

Currently averaging a respectable WhoScored match rating of 6.81 in the Championship, Laird clearly knows exactly what it takes to compete at this level and therefore it wouldn't be at all surprising if he takes his game to new heights under the guidance of Parker.