There’s a belief clubs may bid for 21-year-old Chelsea player in January, he recently rejected a new deal

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Chelsea could be set to receive bids in the January transfer window for Ian Maatsen.

That is according to a report from The Athletic.

They explain that Ian Maatsen, 21, recently rejected several offers in the summer to sign a contract extension with Chelsea. This included a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge with a club option for a seventh year.

It is understood that the Dutch youngster still turned down a deadline-day approach from Burnley and opted to stay with the Blues beyond the summer window.

The report says that he had doubts about Burnley’s long-term viability in the Premier League, which is somewhat surprising given he helped them earn promotion last year during a great loan at Turf Moor.

Now, The Athletic mentions that there is a belief that a big, more established top-flight club could make a move for Maatsen in January.

Maatsen should take some comfort in the fact he’s featured in five of Chelsea’s six games across all competitions this season. However, he’s been deployed as a substitute in four Premier League matches.

His huge success out on loan at Burnley last year came as a left-back in a back four.

Pochettino surprised many in pre-season by using the left-footer higher up the pitch as a winger or No 10, though, something which has continued into the new campaign.

We certainly wouldn’t mind Maatsen getting a chance in his preferred left-back position during the next few months. If not, we’re struggling to see a place for him in the squad when everyone’s fit.