Pranav Nair
Manchester United keeping tabs on Ainsley Maitland-Niles
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are interested in securing the signing of Arsenal starlet Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at the Emirates, going on to make 121 appearances for the Gunners. He has struggled to impress under Mikel Arteta and was allowed to join West Bromwich Albion on loan in January.
A regular under Sam Allardyce, Maitland-Niles has seen excellent game time at the Hawthorns. He was however unable to help them stave off relegation.
His performances have however caught the attention of United. They look set to make a move for him once he returns to Arsenal in the summer.
The Red Devils will however not have a clear path to signing the player. The likes of Everton, Southampton and Leeds United are all interested in securing his services.
An extremely versatile player, Maitland-Niles can be deployed in a variety of positions. He has predominantly played on the right flank either as a midfielder or a wing-back.
A key role
It is in the full-back spot that United appear keen to deploy the 23-year-old. The Red Devils are in the market for a right-back and Maitland-Niles is the latest names to be added to that conversation.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the undisputed first-choice at United. But the club lack a dependable deputy who can not only step in but also push the Englishman.
Arsenal rejected a £15m bid for the player from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. With just two years left on his current deal, Maitland-Niles is expected to move on this summer.
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Maitland-Niles is, a tidy if unspectacular player. He is in all honestly not a bad second choice to have. Moreover, his versatility can see us deploy him in a variety of roles if needed.
