By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Aug, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Ian Maatsen opens Chelsea talks after Pochettino change of plan

Chelsea have kicked talks off with young defender Ian Maatsen over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Blues want to tie the 21-year-old down to renewed terms even if he is loaned out towards the end of the summer window.

Maatsen’s current deal is set to expire in less than 12 months’ time.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (7 August) that Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has U-turned on allowing the youngster to leave permanently this summer after his impressive pre-season displays.

As such, Maatsen is set to form part of the Blues squad for the first month of the season.

He spent last season on loan at Burnley – and the newly-promoted Lancashire side have seen a £15million bid rejected for his services.

Maatsen’s impressive performances at left-back, on the wing and in a playmaker role during pre-season preparations have changed Pochettino’s mind and may well have resurrected his Stamford Bridge career.

The Netherlands Under-21 star has had a number of loan spells away from Chelsea since joining the Londoners in 2018.

But his most impressive temporary move came at Burnley under Vincent Kompany as they earned promotion to the Premier League.

He turned out 42 times across all competitions for the Clarets last term, notching four goals and six assists.

Speaking to club media about Maatsen (27 July), Pochettino said: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.”

The Stamford Bridge club start the 2023-24 campaign at home against Liverpool on Sunday (13 August).

In other news, major update on Chelsea part-exchange deal.