MX23RW : Tuesday, May 21 09:38:41| >> :60:3498:3498:

Southampton 'join the race for Arsenal's Ainsley-Maitland Niles'

The Saints are in the market for a loan signing, with the 23-year-old seemingly a perfect fit.

Southampton have joined the race to bring in Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan, the PA news agency understands.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted Saints hope to bring in another loan signing before the transfer deadline.

While Hasenhuttl would not be drawn on targets, the Austrian boss admitted he is still in the market for another new addition.

He said: "It's still possible, yes, we still have a few days to go.

"And we hope that we can get another signing here, maybe on loan, this is an opportunity we have, yes."

West Brom had been thought to be leading the race for Maitland-Niles' loan capture, but Southampton could yet steal a march on the Baggies.

Maitland-Niles' versatility fits both boss Hasenhuttl's blueprint, and Southampton's current need due to their injury glut.

The 23-year-old England star can slot in at full-back or across midfield, and Saints are now hopeful of completing a loan deal until the end of the season.

Southampton will host Aston Villa on Saturday with Ryan Bertrand back after suspension.

Nathan Redmond, Oriol Romeu and Moussa Djenepo are also in contention having shaken off injuries, though Kyle Walker-Peters remains sidelined.

"Having Ryan Bertrand back is important for our game; important for our shape," said Hasenhuttl.

"Kyle still needs a little bit of time, I don't know how long, but he will not be available for this weekend, so we have to find a solution for the right side."

Southampton have struggled for Premier League goals in recent weeks, but Hasenhuttl remains unfazed.

"I'm never scared; as long as we have chances to score, everything is okay for me," he said.

"Sometimes you score more, sometimes not. If we wouldn't have any chances then I would be worried. As long as you get the chances, everything is okay."

ID:432697: cacheID:432697:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3801:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores against Manchester United in the Premier League on November 1, 2020
Read Next:
Premier League gameweek 21 predictions including Arsenal vs. Manchester United
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!