According to talkSPORT, Crystal Palace have made a late bid to snatch Ainsley Maitland-Niles from the clutches of Southampton.
What’s the story?
Well, it looked as if the £48,000-a-week man was heading to Southampton earlier today with little rival interest.
However, Crystal Palace are now trying to thwart the plans of Ralph Hasenhuttl and lure the England international to Selhurst Park, where he would be able to remain close to home.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook believes Southampton are still confident of signing Maitland-Niles and expect him to arrive at their training ground for a medical today.
The proposed deal is set to see the 25-year-old move to St Mary’s on a season-long loan from Arsenal, and it also includes an option to buy the Hale End academy graduate in 2023.
Maitland-Niles is yet to play for the Gunners this season after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta.
The versatile Londoner, who can play in midfield or as a right-back, spent the second half of last season with José Mourinho at Roma, although he failed to convince the Italian giants to sign him on a permanent basis.
Crystal Palace must hijack Southampton deal
In our view, Patrick Vieira would kill two birds with one stone if he signed Maitland-Niles.
As aforesaid, the Arsenal No.15 can play in midfield or on the right of defence, two areas which Crystal Palace need to strengthen.
There is interest in Aaron Wan-Bissaka to solve the right-back conundrum, while the south Londoners are also eyeing moves for Conor Gallagher or Boubakary Soumare to add depth to their midfield.
However, a deal for Maitland-Niles would give Vieira options in both areas, so the Frenchman and Dougie Freedman – Director of Football at Selhurst Park – must push hard to hijack Southampton’s agreement.
Keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.
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