Newcastle edge closer to Maitland-Niles deal

Newcastle are on the verge of completing a move for Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the Gunners' versatile midfielder set to fly to Newcastle tomorrow morning for a medical and to discuss personal terms. The player has been told that he is free to leave the club this summer.

Having completed a spell in Italy playing for Serie A giants Roma, Maitland-Niles returned to Arsenal, hopeful that he could play on a regular basis under Mikel Arteta. However, manager Arteta appears to be ready to let the 25-year-old leave, and Newcastle will pay a reported £8.5 million to secure the player on a permanent basis. It is understood that a long-term injury to Emil Krafth has left Eddie Howe short of defensive options, and Newcastle see Maitland-Niles as a useful alternative.

Bournemouth and Southampton are amongst the other sides interested in acquiring Maitland-Niles, but neither has been able to match the reported £14 million price tag director of football Edu has priced the midfielder at.

With just two days to go in the transfer window, Maitland-Niles is almost certain to be on the way out of the Emirates, and Newcastle are the current favourites to sign the player.