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Manchester United academy graduate Brandon Williams is in advanced talks to join Norwich City on loan, according to reports.

Williams is behind Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in the pecking order for the left-back berth at Man Utd. Although naturally right footed, he prefers to play on that side of the pitch. But he is unlikely to get many opportunities there this season.

Still a player with potential, Man Utd will be keen to ensure he keeps progressing. It could be a crucial year for the 20-year-old, so it would be best for him to spend it elsewhere if it means playing regularly.

In that regard, there were rumours of a loan to Southampton last month. Just like when Saints were interested in January, though, it hasn’t materialised.

Instead, Sky Sports report that Williams is now on the verge of joining Norwich, who are aiming to build a competitive squad upon their return to the Premier League.

They have already signed midfielder Billy Gilmour on loan from Chelsea and are now looking at a similar deal for another youngster from a top-four club.

Williams has played 50 games for Man Utd so far in his career, but only managed four Premier League appearances last season. At Norwich, in theory, he should earn a considerably greater amount of gametime.

While Sky claim Norwich are growing in confidence of signing Williams for the season, they admit they are unlikely to do so this week.

In time, though, they may be able to conclude the deal, offering them extra depth for a season that has already started in defeat.

The Canaries’ current options at left-back are Dimitrios Giannoulis and Jacob Lungi Sorensen. At right-back, they have Max Aarons, Sam Byram and Bali Mumba. Williams would be an extra help in either position and, on a personal level, he would hope to gain the experience he needs to kick on.

Man Utd have previously been reluctant to loan him out, but have now seemingly realised that they don’t have much room for him at this moment.

Man Utd to receive Lingard offer

Another player who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford is Jesse Lingard. He spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham and did extremely well.

He has been a target for the Hammers ever since as they aim to build upon last season’s sixth-place finish. His chances back with parent club Man Utd are still up for question.

The attacking midfielder scored one goal from three pre-season appearances. But he was absent for Man Utd’s season opener against Leeds after a recent positive test for Covid-19. Since then, West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed the “open secret” that they still want to take him back to London.

Now, they have received fresh optimism in their hopes of that happening. According to the Daily Express, West Ham are preparing a second offer for Lingard after having one rejected earlier in the window.

Man Utd have reportedly lowered their asking price for the 28-year-old, who is out of contract next year. Now, the Red Devils could seek somewhere in the region of £20m.

Time is running out, but West Ham may be more confident of getting him back now.

READ MORE: Man Utd quartet set for mega pay-rises as Solskjaer plays Pogba ace card

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