The Toffees are keen to bolster the right-back position by bringing in support for skipper Seamus Coleman and have zeroed in on Arsenal’s Maitland-Niles.
Everton tabled a loan offer with an option to buy for the 24-year-old, but Arsenal, after mulling over the possibility of letting him join a Premier League rival, decided to keep him.
The Gunners want Maitland-Niles to stay at the Emirates Stadium and want him to fight for a role under boss Mikel Arteta.
With Arsenal not wanting to let him leave and a potential move to Everton possibly collapsing, Maitland-Niles took to social media to vent his frustrations, making it clear he only wants to play for a club that will give him regular opportunities.
And the Englishman could still force an exit from the north London giants before the clock winds out on the transfer window today.
Everton want him to play in his preferred role as a full-back and want to sign him permanently after an initial loan spell.
Maitland-Niles has struggled to clock up regular minutes under Mikel Arteta since he took over at Arsenal and was shipped off on loan to West Bromwich Albion in the latter half of last season, but could get an opportunity to play regular first team football if he can seal a deal to Everton.
