Maitland-Niles would prefer to join Roma ahead of Everton in January
Everton are still keen on bringing Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Goodison Park, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The England international, 24, was close to signing for the Toffees on a temporary basis in the summer transfer window, but the North Londoners blocked the deal.
Roma are now interested in signing Maitland-Niles on loan in January, and while Everton still retain interest, he prefers to join the Serie A side ahead of the Toffees.
Blow?
Rafa Benitez still wants to strengthen in the middle of the park, and while the versatile Gunners academy graduate would be a solid option on loan, it appears he has made a decision and is no longer keen on joining the Blues.
Everton will need to look elsewhere for the central midfielder they need, but missing out on Maitland-Niles again would be a blow.
He is also capable of playing at right-back and on the right-wing, and the Toffees could do with quality cover and competition for their ageing skipper Seamus Coleman.
Their start to 2021-22 has not been impressive, though, and that could have made the Arsenal man change his mind.
Roma are pushing for the Champions League places, and playing for Jose Mourinho is more attractive to him from the look of things.
A deal is far from being finalised, though, and Everton may still have a chance of landing their man, but at the moment, he is leaning towards a move to Italy.
Loan and bargain deals are the Blues’ best chances of strengthening their squad next month, and they need to bring quality options to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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