Everton approach Arsenal over a loan deal for midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Everton have made an approach to take Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan.

The 23-year-old is keen to leave and play regularly with midfield his preferred position but his versatility would give Rafa Benitez options in other areas including full-back.

A number of Premier League sides have shown an interest following his loan spell at West Brom in the second half of last season with Southampton also among his admirers.

Maitland-Niles was an unused substitute in both of Arsenal's opening Premier League games but came off the bench and made an assist in the 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over West Brom on Wednesday.

The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at the Baggies, who were relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

Everton remain in talks over a deal for Porto's exciting Colombian winger Luis Diaz which would see James Rodriguez move in the opposite direction on loan.

The Goodison Park club are also among those monitoring developments with Salomon Rondon.

The Venezuela striker has a good relationship with Benitez having worked with him previously and is hoping to leave Dalian in China on loan.

Wolves, West Ham and Leicester City have also shown an interest in signing the 31-year-old centre forward.

Everton want cover and competition up front with Moise Kean discussing a return to Juventus.

Benitez insists Richarlison will not be sold despite interest from Paris St Germain but the Brazilian has played a lot of games during the summer and will need to be handled carefully as the season progresses.