Chelsea ‘can exploit little-known loophole’ to loan out Ian Maatsen if £30million Borussia Dortmund transfer collapses

CHELSEA star Ian Maatsen could leave the club on loan this month thanks to a loophole in the Fifa rules.

Maatsen, 21, has made 15 appearances for Blues this season after spending last season at Burnley.

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Chelsea can loan out Ian Maatsen thanks to a loophole[/caption]

But he has only started three times so manager Mauricio Pochettino could be open to letting him leave.

He is wanted by the Clarets once more and could join Vincent Kompany’s side on loan.

Chelsea already have seven players out on loan – Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Diego Moreira, Angelo, David Datro Fofana and Gabriel Slolina – which is the maximum allowed by Fifa.

However since Maatsen is categorised as an Under-21, he does not fall under the Fifa limitation.

The left-back is also attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund who are understood to be plotting a £30million transfer.

Chelsea could be keen to cash in to help ease financial fair play pressures.

Conor Gallagher could be sold to Tottenham for similar reasons, with Todd Boehly likely to re-invest the earnings into yet more signings.

Maatsen‘s contract expires in 18 months and there has been no talks over an extension.

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SunSport revealed Manchester City are keen on him with Pep Guardiola plotting a January swoop.