Pochettino offers Maatsen assurances amid contract talks

Mauricio Pochettino has told Ian Maatsen he wants to keep him at Chelsea as contract renewal talks begin, according to the Evening Standard.

The 21-year-old was one of the stars of the pre-season tour of the United States and talks over a new deal began as the squad returned to London.

Maatsen wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but is understood to want assurances over his development plan at Chelsea before putting pen to paper.

The Netherlands U21 international has just one year left on his current deal and a host of clubs are looking to turn his head in the transfer market.

West Ham are considered frontrunners amid a host of Premier League interest, with Burnley joining Champions League clubs Ajax and Lens in the race for his signature.