Swansea City manager Russell Martin has revealed that the Swans are hopeful of completing a loan swoop for Manchester United defender Ethan Laird following their goalless draw against Sheffield United.

It has been widely reported that Swansea have been keen to secure a loan deal with Manchester United for Laird this summer.

That comes with Martin believed to be a fan of the 20-year-old’s abilities having had the chance to work with him during a loan spell with his MK Dons side last season in League One.

Martin’s side are reported to have been leading the chase for Laird amid interest from other clubs as well with Manchester United preferring him to get a loan move to the Championship this summer.

Football Insider have previously reported that Swansea have reached an agreement with Manchester United that will see Laird head to them on loan for the campaign.

However, according to The Sun on Sunday (15/08/2021, 63) Blackpool are set to come in with a late move for Laird as they aim to beat Swansea to his potential signature.

Speaking to Wales Online following Swansea’s goalless draw against Sheffield United, Martin has now revealed that the defender was in the stands watching the game with the Swans boss now hopeful that a deal can be concluded after talks and a medical.

He said: "He was upstairs watching tonight, so if he's driven all the way down to Swansea, I hope that he's ready to come in.

"He needs a medical and he needs to sit down with us and discuss how it's going to work.

"But he's here and I look forward to seeing him tomorrow morning then we'll have a chat and see where it goes from there, but hopefully that'll be one that gets done."

The Verdict

This is excellent news for Martin and Swansea and shows that they are closing in on what could be a very smart piece of transfer business this summer.

Laird is clearly one of the players that the new Swans boss has been keen to bring into the club since he was appointed as manager a few weeks ago and therefore the board need to show him the backing by getting this one over the line.

It seems that Manchester United see Swansea as an ideal fit for Laird to go out on loan and continue his long-term progression under Martin.

He showed that he can adapt very well to the demands placed on him by the Swans boss and that he is perfectly suited to the style that has been taken to the Liberty Stadium during his loan spell with MK Dons.

The Swans have been in need of adding to their defensive options this summer and this feels like a deal that is going to be very beneficial for them and for Manchester United.

Laird is obviously keen to reunite with Martin it would seem if he has taken the time to travel to Swansea to watch them in action against Sheffield United on Saturday. This is a move that should get done in the coming days you feel.