Everton agree deal with Lyon for Ainsley Maitland-Niles | OneFootball

Everton have agreed a deal with Lyon for English defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to Sky Sports.

Manager David Moyes has been trying to bring sign a new right-back all summer. A deal worth €5 million has been struck between both clubs.

The Toffees are now closing in on Maitland-Niles, who is set to fly into the United Kingdom today.

Everton will now be desperate to get a deal over the line before today’s 11.00 pm transfer deadline.

The 29-year-old previously played 132 games for Arsenal. He has spent the last three seasons in Ligue 1, making 119 appearances.

Maitland-Niles has played over 300 games as a professional having also featured for AS Roma, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Ipswich Town on loan deals.

The Englishman can also play as a defensive midfielder, but Moyes is likely to deploy him regularly at right-back.

Maitland-Niles can also feature at left-back, with his ability to hold on to the ball and contribute defensive qualities the Toffees need.

He has been on the radar of Everton for a while and a deal could finally be completed in the coming hours.

Maitland-Niles last played for England in 2020 and a return to the Premier League could give him a chance to prove himself all over again.