Everton is reportedly targeting former Arsenal youth player Ainsley Maitland-Niles to bolster their defense for the upcoming season. Sources indicate that the versatile player, who has made significant strides since moving to Ligue 1, is now a pivotal figure for Lyon.

Maitland-Niles, now 28, has transformed into a key wing back for Lyon, and his impressive performances have caught the eye of multiple Premier League teams looking to secure his services this summer.

Key points regarding the potential transfer:

• Everton aims to utilize him as a right back, allowing Jake O’Brien to transition to a central role.
• The price for Maitland-Niles is expected to be reasonable, as he has just one year remaining on his current contract signed in 2023.
• However, competition is fierce, with Fulham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest also expressing interest in the England youth international.

With the summer transfer window approaching, it appears increasingly likely that Ainsley Maitland-Niles will find himself back in the Premier League by the end of the season.

In other news, a former Manchester United coach has been linked to the Fulham managerial position, while Julian Alvarez is set to remain with his club, as their president has placed a staggering €500m price tag on him.