Liverpool have emerged as possible suitors for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen, according to a report.
The Netherlands Under-21 international has belatedly been integrated into the Blues' first-team setup under Mauricio Pochettino, having excelled while on loan with Burnley last term.
Under Vincent Kompany's wing, Maatsen amassed four goals and six assists in 42 matches for the Clarets, playing a vital role in their promotion back to the top flight.
A positive pre-season campaign also saw the 21-year-old score twice in a 5-0 win over Wrexham, before setting up a Nicolas Jackson strike in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.
Since competitive action resumed, Maatsen has made eight senior appearances for Chelsea, following on from his debut for the club in September 2019, but his only starts have come in the EFL Cup.
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The Dutchman is yet to start a Premier League match for the West London giants amid competition from Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella, although he has come off the bench in six matches.
While also capable of playing further up the field, Maatsen's path to the first XI in an offensive role is blocked by the likes of Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer and Mykhaylo Mudryk, leaving his opportunities for starts rather scarce.
Maatsen would have been free to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in 2024, but the Blues have recently activated a 12-month extension option in his contract to avoid that eventuality.
A long-term renewal has been mooted, although he would not be expected to sign on the dotted line should his playing situation not improve, and an exit in 2024 is now seen as a genuine possibility.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are the latest team to show an interest in Maatsen, who could arrive in January as cover for the injured Andrew Robertson on the left-hand side of defence.
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Robertson recently dislocated his shoulder during Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Spain, and the 29-year-old is set for an extended period on the sidelines following an operation.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp has been left with Kostas Tsimikas as his only natural left-back, although Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley could also deputise in that area of the field if required.
Liverpool are not the only team hoping to prise Maatsen away from Stamford Bridge, though, as Burnley have not given up hope of luring the 21-year-old back to Turf Moor, although the defender is not keen on the idea due to the Clarets' early-season struggles.
Treble winners Manchester City could also throw their hat into the ring and are said to have discussed a deal with his agents over the summer, although such talks did not lead anywhere.
Maatsen represented PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord at youth level before his 2018 move to Chelsea, who have also loaned him out to Coventry City and Charlton Athletic over the past five years.
Ben Knapton
