Borussia Dortmund are reportedly optimistic about signing Chelsea star Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window despite the fact the two clubs are yet to come to an agreement about the terms of the move.
The 21-year-old has mostly made appearances for the Blues coming off the bench under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, with just 15 showings in all competitions so far this season. Maatsen was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign two weeks ago against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge but now he could be shown the door early on in the window.
His limited role under the Argentine has come as a surprise to many following what was an impressive pre-season tour on the U.S as well as a fantastic loan spell with Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the Championship last season — which saw him awarded a place in the league's Team of the Season.
Despite naturally being a left-back amidst Chelsea's piling problems with full-backs ending up injured, many of his appearances have come as a winger. Despite that, Pochettino has claimed in the past he'll be more involved in the future. although that's seeming more and more unlikely as talks continue around the star's future.
«Now with the injury circumstance [he’ll be more involved],» Pochettino said speaking at his press conference before Chelsea's 2-0 win over Sheffield United last month. «He was involved last game but young players sometimes they can impress you in pre-season but you need to give them time after to relax.
»Sometimes they struggle. He’s in our squad and a great kid. He’s got great quality and can play in different positions but it’s about giving him time. He came from Burnley last season in the Championship.
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