West Ham could be joined by Fulham, Bournemouth and two European clubs in the battle for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to reports.

The Hammers are believed to be weighing up a move for the Arsenal midfielder, who is expected to be available for a relatively modest fee.

Maitland-Niles has less than twelve months left on his contract at the Emirates, and the Gunners will listen to any offers for the 24-year-old, who could leave on a free transfer next year.

West Ham boss David Moyes is keen on strengthening his options in midfield, with Tomas Soucek struggling for form at the start of this season.

Manchester United’s Scott McTominay has also been mentioned as a potential alternative, but Maitland-Niles is a player who could be snapped up for a much lower price.

Not only is he out of contract soon but he isn’t part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans at Arsenal, so a quick deal before the transfer deadline is very much on the cards.