Exclusive: Aston Villa 'in daily dialogue' over deal to sign defender

Aston Villa are in daily contact with Ian Maatsen’s representatives about a summer move from Chelsea, sources have told Football Insider.

Dortmund have baulked at the Netherlands international’s £35million release clause after he spent the second half of last season on loan with the Bundesliga side.

Sources say Villa are also unwilling to go that high at this stage despite Unai Emery’s desire to strengthen his squad with a new left-back after qualifying for the Champions League next season.

A deal is not believed to be close, but dialogue is continuing in the background over a potential deal for the 22-year-old and Chelsea are willing to sell him. 

The left-back is under contract in west London until 2026 after only signing a new deal in January.

Ian Maatsen could join Aston Villa as Chelsea exit on the cards

Football Insider first revealed on 6 May that Maatsen is keen to leave Chelsea this summer after seeing his opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge.

The defender started in just one of his 12 Premier League games last season before heading out on loan to Dortmund in the January transfer window.

Maatsen made 22 starts in his 23 appearances for the Bundesliga club, with his three goals and two assists helping them reach the Champions League final.

Dortmund have been put off making his loan deal permanent by his £35million release clause, while Villa are also not keen on splashing that much cash to sign him.

The Dutchman has been targeted as a potential younger option at left-back for the West Midlands giants, with Lucas Digne set to turn 31 next month and Alex Moreno already 31.

But potential exits remain the order of the day at Villa Park after Football Insider revealed on 7 June the club must raise £60million in player sales after their PSR proposal was rejected by their fellow Premier League clubs.

In other news, Everton in move to hijack Aston Villa deal.

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The post Exclusive: Aston Villa 'in daily dialogue' over deal to sign defender appeared first on Football Insider.