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Borussia Dortmund are optimistic about signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea even though the clubs are yet to settle on a permanent or loan agreement.
Chelsea accepted an offer from Burnley last summer for Maatsen to return to the club on loan ahead of a permanent £31 million switch, but the player rejected the move.
It is understood that Chelsea would prefer to sell Maatsen this month, while Dortmund would prefer a loan, but in Germany the two clubs are expected to reach an agreement and talks are already underway.
Having spent most of the early part of the season on the bench at Chelsea, Maatsen will likely be willing to move to Dortmund, where Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho have thrived.
Naturally a left-back, Maatsen’s limited opportunities under head coach Mauricio Pochettino have come on the wing.
Dortmund’s interest in Maatsen is expected to be linked to their decision to loan Sancho again; a potential deal for the Manchester United winger is unlikely to influence the continuation of negotiations over the 21-year-old Chelsea player.
A move for Maatsen to Germany could convince Chelsea to sign a left-back this month, even if Ben Chilwell returns from injury.
Marc Cucurella is recovering from surgery and Chilwell’s injury record may lead Chelsea to look at players who could give the England international competition for the rest of the season, although Levi Colwill has deputised in the position.
Chelsea have shown that Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos has been recalled from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he has made two appearances.
As first revealed via Telegraph Sport, Chelsea have reached an agreement for teenager Alex Matos, who was part of Pochettino’s first team this season, to join Huddersfield Town on loan for the remainder of the season.
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