Maitland-Niles joins West Brom on loan from Arsenal - Yokuslu deal confirmed earlier

West Brom have completed the deadline day loan signing of Okay Yokuslu from Celta Vigo and are closing in on Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The 26-year-old midfielder has joined for the rest of the season to aid the Baggies’ battle against the drop. They are 19th in the Premier League ahead of Tuesday’s trip to rock-bottom Sheffield United.

Update 23:00 pm GMT: West Brom have officially confirmed the signing of Maitland-Niles on Monday night. The Arsenal midfielder will join the Baggies on loan until the end of the season.

Yokuslu’s arrival follows those of striker Mbaye Diagne, who moved on loan from Galatasaray last week, and Robert Snodgrass, while the Baggies have also agreed to take England international Maitland-Niles on loan for the rest of the season. “As a manager I would have liked them in quicker. Would it have made a difference? Who knows,” said boss Sam Allardyce. “The important thing is that we get them in the end because there are 17 games to go and hopefully points and wins will come more often than defeats – that will be the key element.”

Turkey international Yokuslu is unlikely to feature at Bramall Lane, with Allardyce expected to name him on the bench for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham. He added: “It’s unlikely I’ll throw him straight into the mix. I’ve tried that once before and the player didn’t cope. We don’t want the whole of the outside world throwing criticism at him.” Former Leicester forward Ahmed Musa is also to arrive for a trial, delayed due to coronavirus protocols.

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