Everton have reached an agreement for a deadline-day signing as David Moyes strengthens his squad after changes at right-back.
The Toffees entered the final hours of the window looking for defensive reinforcement following Nathan Patterson’s departure for Torino.
Everton had been working on a move for Fulham defender Kenny Tete, but that proposed £9.4 million transfer could fall through.
Fulham’s difficulty securing a replacement opened the door for Everton to move towards another option with Premier League experience.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have agreed a £4.2 million deal to sign former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon.
The 28-year-old can operate at right-back or in midfield, giving Moyes additional flexibility across two areas of his squad.
Maitland-Niles is entering the final year of his contract in France and has travelled to the United Kingdom to complete his medical.
Everton previously tried to sign him in 2021, but their long-standing interest has now developed into an agreement.
His arrival would provide a direct replacement option following Patterson’s move to Torino while also adding another central midfield choice.
Maitland-Niles came through Arsenal’s system before later moving away from the north London club and eventually joining Lyon.
Everton’s move has developed quickly on deadline day after uncertainty surrounding their pursuit of Tete.
The Merseyside club are also exploring the possibility of bringing Richarlison back from Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
A permanent deal has stalled, while any loan agreement would depend heavily on how the Brazilian forward’s wages are divided.
Everton are already carrying a significant salary commitment for Jack Grealish and do not want another major wage burden.
For now, Maitland-Niles is the deal that has advanced, with Everton agreeing terms with Lyon as they work to complete his return to English football.
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