Everton have agreed a £4.2m fee to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, with the versatile player undergoing a medical at the club's training ground on Tuesday. Jack Grealish is also due for his own medical on Tuesday morning ahead of joining the Toffees on a season-long loan for the final year of his Manchester City contract, according to a report from Sky Sports Football.
These moves come as Sean Dyche's side sit seventh in the Premier League with four points from their opening two games. They have a goal difference of +2, having scored three and conceded one, and are just two points behind leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a home match against Manchester United on September 6, a fixture you can view on our fixtures page.
Who is Ainsley Maitland-Niles joining Everton?
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is finalising a move to Everton after the club agreed a fee with French side Lyon. Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam provided an update, saying, "Ainsley Maitland-Niles has landed in Manchester where he’ll complete the first part of his Everton medical." The 28-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract with an option for a further year, providing valuable experience and flexibility across midfield and defence.
His arrival proceeds while a move for Fulham's Kenny Tete is on hold. Everton are waiting for the Cottagers to secure a replacement before they can finalise a £9.4m deal for the Dutch full-back, though the club remains hopeful of completing his arrival on Tuesday.
What other business is Everton conducting?
In addition to the incoming players, Everton are active in both the selling and buying markets. Striker Beto has completed a permanent move to Fiorentina for £15.4m after scoring 25 goals in 113 appearances for the Merseyside club. Defender Nathan Patterson is set for a permanent transfer to Torino, while midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has agreed a deal to join Hull City. Iroegbunam recently returned from injury to feature off the bench in Everton's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
The club have also knocked back a late enquiry for defender Michael Keane. Vinny O'Connor reported that "Everton have knocked back a late enquiry from West Ham for defender Michael Keane," ensuring the experienced centre-back remains part of Dyche's squad.
Which major transfers are Everton pursuing?
Everton are in advanced talks with Monaco to sign striker Folarin Balogun. The proposed deal is worth £40m plus a potential £5m in add-ons. Concurrently, the club is discussing a potential sale of forward Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham for a fee in the region of £60m.
Another significant attacking option appears to be closing off. While Everton were in advanced talks to sign Richarlison from Tottenham for £35m, the Brazilian is now considered unlikely to return to Goodison Park and is more likely to move to Saudi Arabia.
How does the schedule affect Everton?
The fixture calendar has seen a minor adjustment impacting Everton. Their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers has been moved to Wednesday, September 16, with an 8pm kick-off. This change is due to Liverpool's Champions League fixture being scheduled for the preceding Tuesday. Wolves' Championship fixture against Portsmouth has consequently been pushed back to Tuesday, October 20. Everton's current league position and form can be tracked on our standings page. The final piece of business on a busy deadline day will be confirming the loan signing of Jack Grealish, who is due at Finch Farm for his medical.
