According to The Daily Mirror, Southampton are once again interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints wanted Maitland-Niles in January

The Saints were heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old during the January transfer window, when he was made available for loan by Arsenal (The Independent).

However, in the end, he made the temporary move to West Bromwich Albion, although he was unable to help them avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Saints return for Maitland-Niles

Now, it appears the Saints are once again eager to sign the England international.

They are joined by newly-promoted Watford in their pursuit according to the report from the Mirror.

The Verdict: Interesting option

Maitland-Niles is somewhat of an enigma. Clearly talented, it still seems unclear as to exactly what his best position is - he has played in central midfield, at right-back, at left-back and, on one occasion according to Transfermarkt, at centre-back.

He was also called "outstanding" by Stuart Pearce last year (talkSPORT via The Boot Room) though, so he clearly has potential which is simply yet to be harnessed.

He has five caps for his country, and he perhaps just needs to find the right club so he can show off his true talents.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton could be the perfect place for him to do just that. Valued at £14.4m (Transfermarkt), he will not come too cheap for the St. Mary's Stadium outfit, but a move for him is definitely worth a punt, and the player himself could benefit from a settled role.

In other news, Southampton fans want this man to leave the club this summer.