Everton still eyeing deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles | OneFootball

The transfer window has only been closed for a matter of a month but Everton are already considering their January targets.

It emerged over the weekend that the Toffees might be contenders to sign Aaron Ramsey from Juventus but he’s not the only Arsenal associated player linked with a move to Merseyside.

What’s the word?

An individual Everton were keen on signing throughout the final stages of the summer window was Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

They lodged a bid to sign the player on loan that Arsenal unfortunately rejected.

The man in question wasn’t happy with that decision, taking to Instagram in dismay as he revealed he just wanted to play football.

The Gunners had been seeking a permanent deal for the versatile defender and midfielder but Everton could return with an improved offer in January.

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According to reports (Via Transfer Market Web), Rafa Benitez’s side are planning a winter swoop for the England international.

Gray 2.0

It’s well documented just how little money Everton have to invest in the playing squad at the moment.

Benitez and Marcel Brands acquired five players over the summer but only one of them cost a transfer fee.

That happened to be Demarai Gray, someone who at just £1.7m is quickly becoming the bargain of the summer.

Although Everton parted ways with a measly sum to sign him, there were questions raised about whether he’d be consistent enough for the Toffees.

During his time with Leicester, the 25-year-old failed to live up to his true potential, scoring only 13 goals in 169 outings.

However, since signing for Everton, he looks like he’s finally discovering consistency and making himself a potent threat.

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In eight outings for his new club, Gray has scored three goals and contributed a solitary assist.

At the age of 24, Maitland-Niles is also a player who is yet to really find himself. He wants to play in midfield but it’s at wing-back or full-back where he’s played more prominently for both club and country.

His attitude has been a continued problem for Mikel Arteta in north London but the £14.4m-rated gem might just need a new home.

Described as a “Rolls-Royce” by Martin Keown, the Gunners academy graduate caught the eye while on loan at West Brom last term.

A permanent move to Everton, therefore, could help him to build confidence and start producing game-changing performances on a more regular basis.

Merseyside has helped Gray realise his potential and it’s even helped Andros Townsend find the net on a regular basis.

Benitez is working miracles at Goodison right now; Maitland-Niles must join the party.

AND in other news, Get rid: £100k-p/w Everton flop who lost 60% of his duels let Rafa down again…