Nottingham Forest to rival Burnley and West Ham for Ian Maatsen

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has become one of the hottest properties in the Premier League market after his outstanding individual campaign last term.

The Daily Mail claims that Nottingham Forest have now joined Burnley and West Ham United in the race to sign the highly rated and sought-after Chelsea full-back.

The exciting 21-year-old defender spent the last season on loan at Burnley, where he played a prominent role in the Clarets’ Championship-winning campaign.

Maatsen registered ten goal contributions in 39 Championship games as Vincent Kompany’s side rallied to Premier League promotion.

Maatsen has just one year left on his contract with Chelsea, but the Blues have yet to decide on his future, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to see what the youngster has to offer in pre-season.

The Dutchman was handed his chance in Wednesday’s friendly against Wrexham and gobbled it with aplomb, netting a brace in the 5-0 win and giving Pochettino something to think about.

The Netherlands under-21 international talked up his hopes of staking a claim in the first team after the match, but that has not stopped clubs from lining up for his signature.

Forest are keen on Maatsen after missing out on Renan Lodi, who refused to make his stay at City Ground permanent following last season’s impressive loan spell.

The Brazilian has subsequently joined Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille, prompting Steve Cooper’s side to consider a £15 million move for Maatsen.

Chelsea currently have four left-backs in the squad, including Lewis Hall, who impressed at the tail end of last season, although the youngster has repeatedly claimed he is more comfortable in central midfield.

Nevertheless, Maatsen still finds himself behind Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella in the pecking order, although the Spaniard has been linked with a summer exit following an unremarkable debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino will have the final say on Maatsen’s future in West London, but the Argentine tactician is unlikely to make any decision until after the pre-season tour.