Everton to make fresh move for 24-year-old Arsenal star

Everton will renew their interest in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

The Toffees wanted to sign him on loan with an option to buy this summer, but the Gunners rejected the proposal.

Maitland-Niles has since had minutes from midfield, but he is unlikely to become a regular starter anytime soon.

Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga are all ahead of him in the pecking order at the moment.

Mohamed Elneny has also been preferred ahead of him, and reports claim that the Toffees will try again for his services.

They are planning to make a permanent bid in January with manager Rafael Benitez prepared to play him at right-back.

The Gunners want around £20m for the 24-year-old. A deal could be delayed until the final days of the transfer window.

With Partey and Elneny off for African Cup of Nations duty in early January, the club may want Maitland-Niles to provide cover.