Southampton 'end interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles'

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles will reportedly not be joining Southampton on deadline day.

The Saints are one of a number of clubs who have been keen to sign the versatile England international on a loan deal for the rest of the season.

While Maitland-Niles would prefer to play in central midfield, Ralph Hasenhuttl sees the 23-year-old as competition for left-back Ryan Bertrand.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton have now shelved plans to sign the player, leaving the door open for Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion.

With Leicester regarded as direct rivals to the Gunners, the Baggies are favourites to get a transfer completed before the 11pm deadline.

Sam Allardyce is also happy to use Maitland-Niles in his preferred position for the remainder of the campaign.