Man City target young Chelsea defender who is stalling over new contract after Blues agree £31m fee | The Sun

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly in the running to sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen.

The left-back is stalling over extending terms at Stamford Bridge, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Maatsen, 21, starred on loan for Burnley last season in the Championship as he played a key role in the Clarets' promotion to the Premier League.

Chelsea are keen to tie him down to a new deal. However, the club accepted Burnley's bid late in the transfer window, only for the move to collapse.

The Blues had accepted a loan with an obligation to buy Maatsen worth £31.5million, but he rejected the move.

The Dutchman had plenty of interest during the window as West Ham were also tracking him.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

Chelsea icon claims ‘untold side’ to Mount’s £60m transfer to Man Utd

Get £40 in free Bet Builder bets when you stake £10 on football with Paddy Power

90min have now reported that Manchester City are among a number of clubs from England and Europe that are keen on signing the defender.

Manager Pep Guardiola is looking to add a natural left-sided defender to his squad.

It would give the Spaniard a more natural option in the left-back role than makeshift full-back Nathan Ake.

Maatsen has made four appearances for the Blues this season, overtaking Marc Cucurella in the pecking order under boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Most read in Football

SPA-RTY ANIMAL

Inside Jack Grealish’s quiet ‘£20,000’ birthday at £5,000-a-night log cabin

DON AND DUSTED

Man Utd misfit Jadon Sancho offered Dortmund escape route after Ten Hag rift

SHAME ON YOU

Man Utd must drop ‘abuser’ Antony just like Greenwood, says star’s ex

Great scot

England ace ‘considering ditching Three Lions’ if Scotland secure Euro 2024 spot

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

The report has claimed that Chelsea remain hopeful of securing a new deal for Maatsen.

However, should they fail, he could be available for a cut-price fee in January as the Blues may look to cash in rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football

Source: Read Full Article