European giants open talks for Ian Maatsen as Aston Villa transfer news drops
Borussia Dortmund have enquired about the possibility of signing Ian Maatsen on loan from Aston Villa, according to Patrick Berger.
The Sky Deutschland journalist reported via his personal X account on 3 January that there was a “loose exchange” between Dortmund and Maatsen’s agent, Ali Barat, after Villa had a bid rejected for Donyell Malen.
However, such a swap is “not a serious topic” as things stand, as the Birmingham-based club do not want to let the left-back, who is also keen to fight for his place at Villa Park, leave this window.
Ian Maatsen to help Aston Villa in Donyell Malen transfer
It is not surprising that Dortmund are considering a swoop for Maatsen as he spent the second half of last season on loan there.
The Bundesliga club were interested in making the move permanent, but saw the Dutchman join Aston Villa for £37.5million instead [Sky Sports].
Maatsen, though, has struggled for playing time in Birmingham this season. He has been restricted to just two starts in the Premier League.
Therefore, Bortmund are seemingly keen to see if there is scope to take the former Chelsea man on loan to Germany this month, although the door appears to be closed at the moment.
It remains to be seen if Villa and Maatsen’s stance will change as the window progresses.
Unai Emery’s side have identified Malen as their top target for the January transfer window and it is unclear if they are prepared to meet the German club’s £25m price tag [The Telegraph].
Offering Maatsen on loan could help them bring the price down.
In other Aston Villa news, Jamie Carragher has made a wild new claim about Emery’s side.
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