Man Utd star Ethan Laird closing in on Watford loan transfer with Erik ten Hag wanting youngster to get game time

MANCHESTER UNITED prospect Ethan Laird is reportedly heading to Watford on loan.

The Red Devils rate their 20-year-old right-back highly but feel he will benefit from regular games with the Championship heavyweights, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

EPA

Manchester United are keen to get promising defender Ethan Laird more game time[/caption]

The Hornets are thought to want Laird for their whole season back in the second tier.

Laird also had Championship loan moves with Swansea and Bournemouth last season.

And this summer he went with the Red Devils’ first-team squad on their pre-season tour of Australia.

Laird is behind fellow right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in United’s pecking order but with question marks over both of their Old Trafford futures he may get his chance.

His pace and quality with the ball going forward makes him an ideal prospect for new United boss Erik ten Hag to develop into a top full-back.

An impressive stint under Rob Edwards at a Watford side relegated from the Prem last season will do his chances no harm at all.

Romano, who regularly provides an inside track, says his switch to Vicarage Road is imminent.

He tweeted: “Manchester United and Watford are prepared to complete the agreement for Ethan Laird on loan.

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“The deal to is to be finalised this week.

“Ten Hag is happy with his potential and attitude but Laird needs to play, and Watford are intentioned to proceed with loan deal.”