Aston Villa are not expected to allow left-back Ian Maatsen to leave for Manchester United before the transfer window closes.
Manchester United are considering whether to make a move for the 24-year-old Netherlands international, but Aston Villa have no intention of parting with the defender, according to Sky Sports.
Instead, the Birmingham club are preparing to offer Maatsen a new contract. Talks over an improved deal are expected to take place soon, in a move that would underline Aston Villa’s determination to keep the player despite interest from the Red Devils.
Maatsen’s current agreement with Aston Villa runs until 2030, meaning the club are not under immediate pressure to sell. His long-term contract gives the Villans a strong position as Manchester United assess the possibility of completing a deal before the transfer deadline.
The left-back joined Aston Villa from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €44.5m. He has since become a player Manchester United are looking at as they consider their options before the window shuts.
Any potential move would therefore come against Aston Villa’s wishes. The club’s reported plan is to begin negotiations with Maatsen over a fresh contract rather than consider his departure.
Maatsen came through Chelsea’s academy before making the move to Villa. His current market value is estimated at €30m by Transfermarkt, which is below the €44.5m fee Aston Villa paid to sign him in 2024.
The differing figures reflect the valuations attached to the defender since his transfer from Chelsea, but Aston Villa’s position is clear: they do not intend to release him to Manchester United. With his contract already extending to 2030, the club are instead looking to secure his future with new terms.
Manchester United’s interest has emerged shortly before the transfer window closes, but the timing is not expected to alter Aston Villa’s stance. Unless that position changes, Maatsen is likely to remain at Villa and discussions over a new agreement should follow in the near future.
For now, the proposed move to Old Trafford appears unlikely, with Aston Villa focused on retaining the Netherlands international and Manchester United left to weigh up whether to continue pursuing the deal.