Martin Keown instantly reacts as Jim White reveals imminent new Everton signing live on air
Martin Keown can understand David Moyes' reasoning for bringing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Everton.
The versatile Lyon man, who can play right-back and midfield, has surprisingly emerged on the Toffees' radar on transfer deadline day.
Everton have known issues at right-back, pre-dating David Moyes' return to the club in January 2024.
Jake O'Brien was predominantly used there last season, while Merlin Rohl has been playing out of position in the early stages of this season.
Former Arsenal man Maitland-Niles' versatility looks like be a big factor for the Toffees as they close in on a bargain deal.
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What have Everton agreed for Maitland-Niles?
Maitland-Niles, a five-cap England international, moved to the Ligue 1 side back in 2023.
Now 28, Maitland-Niles came through the youth ranks with the Gunners but struggled to nail down a regular starting berth.
Indeed, he had loan spells with Ipswich Town, West Brom, Roma, and Southampton, before his permanent move to France.
Sky Sports have now reported that Everton have agreed a fee of around £4.2million to sign Maitland-Niles, who is in the final year of his contract with Lyon.
Jim White spoke about the deal live on talkSPORT with Gabby Agbonlahor and Martin Keown.
Keown said of the news: "He can play in wide positions, they've got issues at full-back haven't they?
"They've got Rohl playing out of position right now, so yep. Moyes rarely gets it wrong, he's obviously seen a bit of him.
"That's the market Everton are I'm afraid are buying in right now."
It now also casts doubt on another deal that looked like happening.
Is Everton's deal for Kenny Tete now over?
It looked like Everton were going to turn to Fulham man Kenny Tete in their search for a new right-back.
The Toffees almost signed him from the Cottagers last season, but the move did not happen.
Everton were apparently closing on a deal to sign Tete for £9m, but Fulham's struggles to bring in a replacement have held the deal up.
Now, it looks as though the Toffees are going to press ahead with a move for Maitland-Niles instead.
It seems unlikely both players will be signed, and if Everton get Maitland-Niles over the line then you would have to assume the move for Tete is over.