Queens Park Rangers are closing in on securing the services of Manchester United defender Ethan Laird on a temporary basis.
According to The Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath, the R's have reached an agreement with the Red Devils over a season-long loan deal for the 21-year-old.
QPR have been on the lookout for a new right-back this summer following their decision to part ways with Moses Odubajo.
Head coach Michael Beale revealed in an interview with West London Sport earlier this week that the club were close to making a breakthrough in their pursuit of a player who is capable of operating in this particular position.
Whereas Beale didn't reveal the identity of the individual that QPR were aiming to sign, Laird certainly fits the bill.
No stranger to life in the Championship, Laird featured for two clubs in this particular division last season.
After making 20 league appearances for Swansea City during the first-half of the 2021/22 campaign, the right-back joined AFC Bournemouth on a temporary basis in January.
During his time at the Vitality Stadium, Laird featured for the Cherries on six occasions in the second-tier as they secured promotion to the Premier League.
Barring a late twist, the defender will become QPR's fifth signing of the summer window.
Beale has already bolstered his squad this summer by swooping for Jake Clarke-Salter, Kenneth Paal, Tyler Roberts and Taylor Richards.
The Verdict
With QPR seemingly set to finalise a deal for Laird, this could turn out to be a very good bit of business by the club.
Laird's arrival will provide some much-needed competition for Osman Kakay in the right-back position.
When you consider that the Red Devils defender managed to average a relatively impressive WhoScored match rating of 6.81 in the second-tier for Swansea last season, he will unquestionably be confident in his ability to make a positive impact at this level in a QPR shirt.
Providing that Laird is able to maintain his fitness as well as his consistency, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he improves significantly as a player during his time at Loftus Road.