Manchester City reportedly had scouts present to assess the capabilities of Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen earlier this week.
Having failed to make a lasting impression on Mauricio Pochettino during the first half of the season, Maatsen was allowed to move to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
As it stands, the deal has proven to be a major success, as the 22-year-old has been provided with 19 starts in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
If Dortmund can avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes next week, they will reach the final of the latter competition.
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Chelsea hoping for permanent sale
Chelsea will be hoping that Dortmund can get over the line in France to boost the chances of Maatsen being signed on a permanent basis when they need to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
A £35m buy option has been included in the agreement between the Blues and Dortmund, and any extra revenue generated by the German side could work in Chelsea's favour.
Furthermore, Maatsen's father suggested earlier this week that his son would be in favour of a full-time switch to Westfalenstadion, even while hinting that other options may be on the table.
According to TBR Football, Man City remain as admirers of Maatsen and are continuing to assessing his development now that he is receiving regular football.
City have been linked with the Netherlands Under-21 international in the past, only for a deal never to come close to completion due to a number of reasons.
Nevertheless, it is claimed that City had scouts present as Dortmund recorded a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in Germany earlier this week.
Maatsen overcame a minor injury issue to play the full 90 minutes, helping keep the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe at bay.
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Would Man City be willing to pay £35m for Maatsen?
Throughout football history, a left-back has been signed for €40m (£34.2m) on just six occasions, putting whether Dortmund or any club would pay such an amount for Maatsen in doubt.
As well as not being a full international, this is Maatsen's first season as a regular in a top division, yet there are reasons why Pep Guardiola could be prepared to get a deal over the line.
Maatsen would act as a direct replacement for Sergio Gomez, who is highly likely to depart the Etihad Stadium in the summer, while he offers backup in a number of different positions.
Meanwhile, Maatsen is also familiar with Manchester having spent a year on loan at Burnley, but the player will need to weigh up his prospects of weekly football.
Bayern Munich may also emerge as contenders for Maatsen if they cash in on Alphonso Davies during the summer transfer window.
Darren Plant
