Kevin Campbell backs Everton to make move for Maitland-Niles
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles would make for a good signing for Everton this summer amid reported interest.
Currently on loan with West Brom, Maitland-Niles is set to return to Arsenal at the end of the season where he could find himself the subject of Premier League interest.
Mail Online reported last week that Everton, as well as Southampton, Leeds and Manchester United, are all monitoring the 23-year old, with the Blues and the Red Devils eyeing Maitland-Niles for his ability to play right-back.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell explained that the England international could make for a strong summer recruit should the Toffees shore up their interest.
Campbell said: “I think a player like that could be a good buy, because he can play left, right or in midfield, and he can play there at a decent level.
“That’s one thing, but, again I’m not sure what Everton are going to do this summer.
“But it could make good sense. It does make good sense.”
Pundit Martin Keown has praised Maitland-Niles, calling the versatile star a “Rolls Royce” player [BT Sport via Football.London].
Everton’s desire to sign a right-back this summer has been well documented, and that could prove to be the sticking point in a deal to sign Maitland-Niles.
Having played as a right-back, left-back and on both midfield flanks for the Gunners this season, Maitland-Niles joined West Brom for the sole purpose of pursuing a regular role in central midfield.
He has played exclusively in a central role since arriving at the Hawthorns, and though he’s able to play as both a defender and a midfielder, he’s unlikely to have any interest in a long-term right-back role at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, Toffees ace issues damning statement following Everton’s loss v Sheffield United.
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