Everton transfer news: AC Milan in for James Rodriguez, Arsenal approached about Ainsley Maitland-Niles

The closure of the summer transfer window is almost upon us.

Come 23.00BST on Tuesday night, clubs throughout the Premier League will have to have their business completed.

It looks like we’re set for a busy conclusion to the window at Everton as Rafa Benitez finalises his squad.

After bringing in Demarai Gray (Bayer Leverkusen), Andros Townsend (Everton) and Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth), the Toffees boss will be eyeing more additions after an impressive start to the campaign.

Here are the Monday morning headlines coming out of the blue half of Merseyside.

Maitland-Niles approached

Everton are in contact with Arsenal over a potential loan move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The versatile 24-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom where he made 12 appearances.

Maitland-Niles came off the bench in the Gunners’ 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City on Saturday but is surplus to requirements.

Everton would have the option to buy the five-cap England international next summer. (The Athletic)

Rangers resolute over Patterson

Everton have had another bid for Rangers defender Nathan Patterson knocked back.

The Toffees saw a £5 million offer rebuffed for the right-back earlier in the transfer window. Gers boss Steven Gerrard dubbed the figure as "something out of a joke book".

With Benitez still targeting someone to provide competition and cover for captain Seamus Coleman, Everton have increased their bid for Patterson.

But Rangers continue to stand firm and don't want to sell the 19-year-old.

Patterson missed the Gers' 1-0 victory over Celtic in the Old Firm as he was forced to isolate in accordance with Covid-19 protocol. (Daily Mail)

Diaz deal on the edge

Out-of-favour Everton forward James Rodriguez being used as a makeweight for Porto’s Luis Diaz to move in the opposite direction has complicated things.

Diaz, a winger, is a target for Everton after finishing joint-top scorer alongside Lionel Messi at the Copa America earlier this summer.

Benitez wants to bring the Colombian to Goodison and had hoped to send his compatriot Rodriguez - who’s not in the Blues boss’ plans - to Porto.

But the Portuguese outfit must agree to terms, with Rodriguez earning around £200,000 per week on Merseyside. (Daily Express)

Milan in for James

It could be AC Milan, rather than Porto, who hand Rodriguez a lifeline.

The San Siro outfit could look to offer the ex-Real Madrid playmaker an escape route from Goodison Park.

Despite scoring registering six goals and nine assists last term, Benitez made it clear early into his Everton tenure that Rodriguez is surplus to requirements.

The 30-year-old has a year left on his contract but he could join Milan on a free transfer. (ESPN)

Rondon discussions

Salomon Rondon is in talks to be reunited with Benitez at Everton.

The striker has held discussions about a return to the Premier League from Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional.

Rondon, 31, worked with Benitez during his time as Newcastle manager, as well as in China.

The ex-West Brom centre-forward would add cover for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should the deal come to fruition. (Sky Sports)

Kean closing in on exit

Moise Kean's disappointing two-year spell at Goodison is set to come to an end.

The striker is close to returning to Juventus after passing a medical.

Kean joined Everton from the Italian giants for £25 million in the summer of 2019 but endured a tough time.

In total, he scored just four goals in 39 games and was sent off for violent conduct in last week's 2-1 Carabao Cup victory at Huddersfield.

Kean, 21, will join Juve on a two-year loan deal before his move becomes permanent providing certain targets are met.

The move will be around €20 million. (Fabrizio Romero).

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