Everton have been dealt a transfer blow ahead of the transfer deadline with the club now looking unlikely to sign Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The right-back who prefers to play as a central midfielder – where he featured for West Brom on loan in the second half of last season – was previously linked with a late switch to the Blues.
The intention was that he would be brought in to provide competition for veteran club captain Seamus Coleman at right-back, but Ryan Taylor of the Express has since taken to Twitter to claim a move is at risk of collapse.
Twitter: Now understand Ainsley Maitland-Niles to #Everton is unlikely. Clubs have been trying to negotiate a deal (loan + o… https://t.co/Cj8IL0SvFd (@RyanTaylorSport)
The two clubs have been trying to negotiate a deal involving a loan move initially with an option to buy afforded to Everton, but there has been ‘no breakthrough in talks’, according to Taylor.
Separately, the Liverpool Echo has reported that Everton remain keen on Rangers defender Nathan Patterson and could yet make their move for the Scottish breakout star before the transfer deadline.
Everton had a £5 million approach for Patterson rejected last week but have opted to test Rangers’ nerve once more with an improved offer of around £8 million – though a deal does not appar close to being accepted.
The transfer window shuts at 11pm with plenty of time left to get deals over the line.
Read Everton Verdict
The news regarding the home-grown talent is certainly a blow, but Everton will not have time to dwell.
With a matter of hours and not days left to go ahead of the deadline, Everton will look to act quickly.
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