Town are in talks regarding the signing of Manchester United left-back Brandon Williams.

The move, understood to be a loan with an option to buy, is not yet done with the parties still in discussion.

If it goes through, the switch will allow Greg Leigh to leave the Blues to join Oxford United, as reported yesterday.

Williams came through the academy at Old Trafford, where Blues boss Kieran McKenna worked prior to joining Town, and has made 30 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, scoring one goal, including 13 Premier League starts, the most recent in 2020/21.

Last season, the 22-year-old made one senior appearance for United, as a late sub in a Carabao Cup victory over Burnley and he is yet to have any involvement this season.

Manchester-born Williams, who although right-footed prefers to play on the left, spent the 2012/22 season on loan at Norwich City during their Premier League relegation season, making 25 starts and four sub appearances.

The stint at Carrow Road ended unhappily when he was abused by a group of Canaries supporters who had waited for him outside the ground following his final game, a 4-0 home defeat by West Ham.

Williams subsequently posted posted a photo of his dog, apparently as a warning, and a middle finger gesture on social media before removing the posts.

The 5ft 7in tall defender is contracted to United until next summer with the club having an option for a further season.

Earlier in the week, Saturday's opponents Leeds United were credited with interest in the full-back.

Photo: Sipa USA

SickParrot added 19:03 - Aug 22 With Leigh going we need cover at left back and he can play at right back aswell, so he would be a very good loan signing.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:14 - Aug 22 No surprise that someone pops up who hasn't been the subject of speculation. I like the way we keep our cards close to our chest. I'm sure K McK knows why he is interested in this player, and I suspect Williams will be able to fill at least two positions if required. We were always told that there could be at least 3-4 more signings, so those of you who are complaining he is not a striker - we may still move on that front too, and again it will be likely someone we haven't heard of; unless, of course, it's that guy from Palace, and I would be pretty happy about that!

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blues1 added 19:21 - Aug 22 Monkeyblue. Sorry for downmark. Literally read the 1st sentence of ur post. Markex you down then saw the rest of it. Ur right, bound to be some who'll get on his back 1st mistake he made
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blues1 added 19:28 - Aug 22 Van dusen .oh dear. Marshall was a very good keeper. Unfortunately, by the time he got into the team, after injury, the defences confidence was shot to bits having sereni behind them. Which didntchelp him .and then of course 1st error he made, our fans got on his back, which damaged his confidence further. John deehan was good for us. Who cares if a player played for Norwich anyway It's a job to them. No different than you say, working for tesco, then going to work for sainsbury.

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BlueandTruesince82 added 19:30 - Aug 22 Worth adding Tom Adeymi to the list of anyone having played for Nodge and been awful for us (not his fault mind). It makes sense, Leigh has 1 year on his contract (I think) and knows he's 2nd choice here, so if he wants to play games, understandable at his age and where he is at his career, then get a fee now because we'll have to replace him next year anyway. Williams offers cover both sides and we will need it at some stage you'd think. He has a solid season of PL football under his belt and is only 22. Also after his experience there he hates Norwich. Still need a CB IMO and ideally another striker. Get those 2 right and another really good transfer window. If this gets done then I think we have 4 good players in the door

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virginblue added 19:32 - Aug 22 I don’t agree with Van Dusen but Andy Marshall was an unmitigated disaster for us.
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blues1 added 19:33 - Aug 22 Naylors rightboot. You'd not be happy if we signed haaland. You'd find something to moan about Because we are trying to sign him means we're taking time out of trying to sign others? Really? Perfectlly possible to be trying to sign more than one player at the same time. Have you not considered the fact that with Oxford wanting leigh, and that he may wish to go to get more game time, that we have no option but to find a replacement.

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Davidwb20 added 19:45 - Aug 22 For me I will be sad to see Leigh leave but fully understand he wants more regular game time. I always felt comfortable with Leigh coming on as a sub or playing from the start. Williams seems like an ideal replacement and will add important cover on the left or right.
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SussexTractor added 20:04 - Aug 22 Williams is a quality player from a top club. Any negative comments are bizarre.
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garyr1ley123 added 20:06 - Aug 22 Martin587 , because a loan would still count towards the 25 U23 or not, Good backup option , staff will know the score. Potential to sign in summer maybe? Feels a smart deal.
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Welshblue72 added 20:13 - Aug 22 blues1 I work for Tesco and would never work for Sainsbury’s lol On a positive note if Williams can strengthen our team then I see no problem. Bring it on.
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Keanos_Barmy added 20:20 - Aug 22 How about K McK now using his Utd links to bring in Mason Greenwood?
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terryf added 20:29 - Aug 22 Leigh a decent fullback and clearly wants regular football, so Williams seems a good player to have onboard, particularly if he can play either right or left side. There is going to be a lot of intensity in all our games so this signing makes good sense to me. Yes OK we know our priority is a quality centre back and centre forward but I'm sure Ashton is working hard to sort it out. The guys in charge haven't let us down so far!!

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Pettabelieveit added 20:33 - Aug 22 Fail to see any negatives with this move should it go ahead
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jas0999 added 20:40 - Aug 22 We don’t want too many loans. If this one happens - no more. Two is enough. Our failure under Evans was lots of loans. Our success recently is a settled team of OUR players.
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Bramidan added 21:06 - Aug 22 My only fear is that at 5’ 7” and a left back will opposition teams look to get big strikers coming in at the far post. What’s he like in the air?
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Flight_of_Shefki added 21:07 - Aug 22 He's obviously worked alongside KM before and if this is someone that KM fancies, we just have to trust the process. Great pedigree for the club though, I'm all for it.
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ArnieM added 21:14 - Aug 22 I think we’re starting to lose those senior players that have become unwilling to wait in the wings for the odd minutes in the team,( Edwards and now Leigh). I don’t blame them for wanting to move on to get regular games. But we are left with perhaps the only option to replace them, PL youngsters looking to gain experience and are more willing to sit on the bench . Hopefully this young player will push Davis because we need competition to increase performances, but will he ever be ours?

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Help added 21:37 - Aug 22 Another that counts to the 25 limit. Other than that clearly Leigh leaving has forced an issue for cover and if it goes ahead this lad is it. Lets hope he is as good as Leigh and that Leif does not get injured anytime soon. Like any player wait to see when he is in what he can do when required. No prior thoughts or opinions until I see him play
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 21:46 - Aug 22 Its all about players we can develop, there is a one year, three year and 5five year plan, at least. All signings are going to be about character, hunger and their potential to be improved. No sane person gives a tinkers toss who they have played for.
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LegendofthePhoenix added 21:57 - Aug 22 this announcement has really brought all the closet budgies out hasn't it?
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Pettabelieveit added 22:17 - Aug 22 Fail to see any negatives here. Leigh has been a fantastic part of the squad but Williams has good pedigree and can play a number of roles. McKenna knows his character as well as qualities, which we all have come to know is a huge part of this squads mantra, evident already in our opening 3 games! Negativity was for the previous regime.
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jayceee added 22:31 - Aug 22 Seeing on twitter that it's "confirmed" and "believed to be loan with an obligation to buy."
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MickMillsTash added 07:26 - Aug 23 Greg Leigh gives us a physical option at the back - last 20, 1-0 up, pinned into our own half, balls in to the back post- I'd rather have Leigh there than Davis or 5'7'' Williams It makes sense to sign him given previous links with McKenna and he looked good when he first broke through, It makes sense not to sign him given previous links with Norwich - I think he will need to be an 8 /10 every week to overcome any prejudice and he will not come on the cheap. I'm sorry, I'm not investing, I'm out

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oldtimer3 added 07:30 - Aug 23 I am getting well feed up with the comments and very childish behaviour of some of the people who get carried away with our rivalry with Norwich City! Went to the match against Stoke and a chant went up from the North Stand (stand up if you hate Norwich) during the match! Some people in front of me did so I couldn't see the football. This has to stop please. Anyway our Manager has a very good idea of the capabilities of Williams so I hope he gets his man. Onwards and upwards!

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