Crystal Palace are looking to sign Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to The Athletic journalist Matt Woosnam.

The versatile Maitland-Niles, 23, has been made available for transfer after failing to nail down a place in Gunners boss Mikel Arteta's future plans.

Maitland-Niles made 15 appearances during a loan spell with West Bromwich Albion last season but he was unable to steer the Baggies away from relegation to the Championship.

However, Maitland-Niles remains on the radar of a host of top flight clubs, including Palace.

The Eagles, under new manager Patrick Vieira following his appointment earlier this month, face competition for Maitland-Niles' services.

Newly-promoted Watford, along with Southampton, are also monitoring the situation ahead of the Premier League season getting underway next month.

Maitland-Niles, who has been capped by England five times, impressed Palace fans during West Brom's 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park in March, according to Woosnam.

The reporter believes Palace are vying to win the race for the Arsenal man's services.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Woosnam said: "Ainsley Maitland-Niles did well last season at West Brom.

"Certainly, he was one of the two players that stood out when Palace hosted West Brom towards the end of the season, along with Okay Yokuslu.

"He would bring an element of positivity to Palace but it will come down to the cost."