Everton closing in on transfer of Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Everton are closing in on a deadline day move for Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The 29-year-old is expected on Merseyside for a medical on Tuesday, potentially bringing to an end the club’s long search for a new right-back.

Everton had also been working in parallel on a deal for Kenny Tete, who was left out of the Fulham squad for Sunday’s defeat to Sunderland ahead of a potential move, but are now prioritising Maitland-Niles ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

The Merseyside club have been in the market for a new right-back this summer, with club captain Seamus Coleman having called time on his 17-year stint at Everton at the end of last season. The Athletic reported earlier on Tuesday that Scotland international Nathan Patterson is also closing in on a permanent move to Italian side Torino.

Former Arsenal player Maitland-Niles had one year to run on his Lyon deal and has been the subject of long-standing interest from Everton. He has five England caps, the last of which came in November 2020, and is also capable of playing as a central midfielder.