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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."

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


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