Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen as they step up their summer transfer business.
The Reds have been busy in the market so far, with six new faces added. But head coach Steve Cooper wants more through the door in preparation for the Premier League campaign - and another wing-back is on his shopping list.
According to Dutch website 1908.nl, left-back Maatsen is “coveted” by the Reds. Feyenoord are said to have had an approach “pushed aside”, while relegated Burnley have also been credited with an interest.
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The 20-year-old is said to want to prove himself at Stamford Bridge. And if he fails to catch boss Thomas Tuchel’s eye, he would still prefer to stay in England, with Forest and the Clarets listed as possibilities.
However, Maatsen’s future at Chelsea is uncertain and a departure looks likely. He is not included in the squad which has travelled to America for pre-season training and has spent the last two seasons out on loan.
Last term, he was at Coventry City, where he made 42 appearances and bagged three goals. Prior to that, he was with Charlton Athletic, making 35 appearances and scoring once in the 2020/21 campaign.
Filling the wing-back spots is key for the Reds this summer, following the departure of loanees Max Lowe and Djed Spence. Neco Williams and Giulian Biancone have been brought in as options on the right, while left-sided Omar Richards put pen to paper at the weekend. The Reds are also said to have made a bid for Huddersfield Town left wing-back Harry Toffolo.
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