Burnley 'agree deal' for Coventry City loan star as like-for-like transfer search continues

Burnley have reportedly reached an agreement to sign former Coventry City loan star Ian Maatsen on a season-long loan.

The Clarets, who have also been strongly linked with interest in Sky Blues favourite Callum O’Hare, are understood to be close to securing the services of the 20-year-old Chelsea wing-back, whom Mark Robins recently admitted he’d love to have back at the CBS Arena, albeit not actively pursuing the player who was hoping to break into Thomas Tuchel’s first team this summer.

But it’s clear that the Netherlands under-21 international, who made 40 appearances for City last term and was named Young Player of the Season, is now expected to complete a move to Turf Moor. Maatsen is set for a medical and the move could be completed by the weekend, according to a report by The Athletic.

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest have also been credited with interest in the wing-back, whose departure from Coventry this summer leaves a gaping hole on the left side of the pitch. City are actively looking for a dynamic, like-for-like replacement with the same attacking verve as Maatsen to compete with Jake Bidwell next season.

Maatsen, who has two years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, showed his versatility with the Sky Blues by being deployed in an attacking midfielder at the top of a box midfield, while he’s also played centrally for his country.

The Athletic claims Maatsen was targeted by a host of clubs in the UK and abroad but was convinced by Vincent Kompany to head to East Lancashire.