Everton signs Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon on three-year contract

Everton completed the permanent signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Olympique Lyonnais on deadline day. The 29-year-old moves to the Premier League side on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee reported at approximately £5m. The transfer concludes an extensive search for a senior right-back to succeed Seamus Coleman, who ended his career with the club in May. Maitland-Niles brings versatility as he can also operate in midfield, providing needed defensive depth following the departure of Nathan Patterson to Torino. The club previously considered several other targets, including Kenny Tete and Guela Doue, before finalizing this agreement. Maitland-Niles joins a squad currently relying on midfielder Merlin Rohl to cover the right-back position during the opening weeks of the season.

• 11:30 PMYahoo Sports — CONFIRMED: Everton end right-back hunt with Maitland-Niles deal