Report: Newcastle have now made their move to sign 25-year-old talent, he’s totally ‘unique’

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Newcastle United want to sign versatile Arsenal and England player Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the end of the transfer window.

90Min report that the Magpies have now opened talks over a deal for the 25-year-old after Emil Krafth suffered an ACL injury.

Maitland-Niles could move to St James’ Park on loan before the deadline as Eddie Howe reacts to the Sweden international’s long term injury.

He has interest from other Premier League clubs, including Southampton and West Ham, who have not been able to get a deal done for the England man.

Newcastle want Maitland-Niles

Howe’s old club Bournemouth are also said to be keen but they have just sacked former Magpies midfielder Scott Parker.

It remains to be seen what impact that has on their transfer business, and whether Maitland-Niles would make the move just to offer cover for Kieran Trippier.

The World Cup is on the horizon and Maitland-Niles has slipped so far from the international picture that he just needs to be playing at this stage.

The Englishman is actually a midfielder by trade, but it is clear from the timing of Newcastle’s loan swoop that they see him as a right-back option.

Last year, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Maitland-Niles’ versatility, saying: “He knows he has a unique quality in any squad which is his versatility to play in many different positions.

“He needs to become the best at doing that because it’s something very rare to find in football,” and it remains to be seen if he will yet bring that quality to the north east.