Transfer Talk: City and Dortmund lay welcome Maat for Chelsea ace

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are both readying a January raid for Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen.

Maatsen, 21, is one of several academy graduates the Blues are considering selling this month to boost their Financial Fair Play standing following lavish summer spending.

The Dutch starlet impressed on loan at Championship winners Burnley last term but turned down a permanent switch to Turf Moor to fight for a starting place at Stamford Bridge.

However, 11 of Maatsen's 12 Premier League outings this season have come from the bench, leaving him open to an exit. 

Club World Cup winners City's interest was first reported last week and Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to add a natural left-back as his stretched squad compete on three fronts.

But media in the player's homeland now claim German giants Dortmund are equally keen and have already opened discussions with Chelsea over a potential fee. 

Maatsen has shown himself to be a versatile operator during his limited minutes, with Mauricio Pochettino deploying him in defence and attack on both flanks. 

The former Charlton and Coventry loanee has 18 months left on his current deal.

In other news

Liverpool are monitoring Crystal Palace's flourishing French midfielder Michael Olise, 22, according to Football Insider.

The Mail say Manchester United have decided against activating an extension clause in Raphael Varane's contract, leaving the 30-year-old defender free to enter negotiations with overseas clubs straight away.

The Sun report Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is keen to add another goalkeeper to his ranks, with former Leicester stopper Kasper Schmeichel, 37, among those linked.