Swansea City are closing in on a deal to sign Ethan Laird, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Manchester United defender is set to move to South Wales on a season-long loan deal as he goes in search of more regular first team opportunities.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with League One side MK Dons where he played under Russell Martin, the man who has taken the hotseat at the Liberty Stadium ahead of the new Championship season.

As per the reports from Manchester Evening News, a deal could be completed this week with Martin deeming the player ready to step up to life in the Championship.

Laird may be young but he's certainly racked up some significant experience in his young career.

The right-back has already featured on 30 occasions for Manchester United since making his debut, a clear indicator of just how highly he's rated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the United hierarchy.

With a season of Championship football under his belt the hope will surely be that he's in a position to prove himself as a reliable Premier League performer.

The verdict

This is really encouraging news for Swansea City.

Ethan Laird is a player who has a really bright future in front of him and so the opportunity to play for the Swans as they challenge for promotion from the Championship will be really good for his development.

Russell Martin's side had a tough opening weekend of the season and so bringing in a player such as Laird will surely be a boost.

If they can get this one done at some point this week then it'll be great to have in and playing a part in the Saturday night fixture against Sheffield United.