Chelsea risk losing Maatsen for FREE without a new contract before January

Chelsea have to secure the future of Dutchman Ian Maatsen quickly, or run the risk of losing him for free at the end of the season, with Barcelona interested in his services.

In the summer, Burnley made a £13.5m bid for the defender, after a successful loan spell at Turf Moor, but Maatsen rejected it in favour of staying at Stamford Bridge.

However, Maatsen, 21, has played just 83 minutes so far after struggling to fit into Mauricio Pochettino's plans, and the Dutch under-21s player is out of contract with the Blues at the end of the season.

Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing Maatsen when he becomes a free agent in June, as a possible replacement for another ex-Chelsea player, Marcos Alonso, when his contract expires.

Xavi's side will make their final decision on the matter in January, when the defender is free to talk to other clubs about his next step in the summer of 2024, and Barcelona have more of an idea of their future requirements.

Transfermarkt have put a £17m valuation on the Dutch defender, although that would rely upon a sale being conducted in the January window.

Mail Sport previously reported that Maatsen had rejected two contract extensions from Chelsea before Burnley made their £13.5m bid in the summer.

Chelsea will probably attempt further negotiations to avoid letting a talented academy graduate leave for nothing, while Burnley may also re-enter the picture with another bid, albeit at a reduced price with only a few months left on his deal.

Maatsen played 39 games for Burnley as they were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League, scoring ten goals.

However, Pochettino has preferred to play Levi Colwill at left-back, leaving Maatsen short of minutes