Everton agree £4m deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles | OneFootball

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Everton’s dramatic transfer deadline day has taken another twist, with a move for Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles having come out of nowhere.

Sky Sports, The Bobble and now, ToffeeWeb sources, have confirmed a £4M deal has been agreed with the French club for the 29-year-old, who will now head to Merseyside for a medical and, if all is well, to complete his move.

THE RIGHT-BACK SOLUTION?

On Monday, it seemed a deal with Fulham for Kenny Tete was progressing well, with Everton having struck an agreement at around £9M for the 30-year-old Dutchman.

That move was hardly inspiring, but would have seen a specialist right-back finally come in.

However, the move seems to have been held up on Fulham’s end, and Everton have apparently moved swiftly to ensure they do have an alternative through the door.

Maitland-Niles is younger than Tete, and is costing around £5M less in terms of a fee, with likely lower wages. He brings plenty of experience and versatility, which is a positive.

He came through at Arsenal as a midfielder, though has spent most of his time at Lyon playing at right-back.

However, it’s another underwhelming solution to the long-standing right-back issue, and yet more questions are going to be asked about the scattergun approach to this transfer window.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

Jack Grealish’s medical is under way, while Folarin Balogun still seems on track to complete his move from Monaco.

Everton have rebuffed an approach from West Ham for Michael Keane, according to The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland, while Jake O’Brien, according to The Bobble, is not going to be leaving the club either.

There’s still uncertainty over whether Everton’s push for Richarlison will prove fruitful, while German media have reported the Toffees were knocked back by Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling. The offer from Everton was reportedly worth €43m including add-ons, with €35m guaranteed.