Report: Everton to rival Leeds for Arsenal starlet Ainsley Maitland-Niles

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Everton are one of the teams considering a summer move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the Daily Mail reporting that they are battling Leeds and a couple of other Premier League rivals for the Arsenal man.

Maitland-Niles is currently coming to the terms with being unable to save West Brom from relegation following his January loan switch.

The 23-year-old is one of the players who has made a positive impact at the Hawthorns following his arrival at the start of the year.

It remains to be seen if it is enough to convince Mikel Arteta to offer him more game-time upon his return to the Emirates.

But if it is not, it seems a queue of admirers is already forming.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton and Manchester United have joined Leeds and Southampton in the race for the youngster.

The Mail notes that both the Toffees and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men view Maitland-Niles as a right-back.

Given his desire to play in midfield, it would appear that that may present an advantage to Leeds or Southampton.

TBR View: If available, Maitland-Niles could be a shrewd signing

It is perhaps an ominous sign that Maitland-Niles cannot get into the current Arsenal side. Mikel Arteta’s men have not enjoyed a good campaign at all.

Having said that, you can understand why several clubs are keen. He is capable of playing in a variety of positions, and he is still only young.

The Sun recently reported that Arsenal will demand £20 million for the England international.

And while his West Brom spell may not have earned him a starting spot at the Emirates, there is the potential for a move for that sort of fee to prove an inspired piece of business for one of the interested parties.