Borussia Dortmund are in “advanced talks” to sign West Ham target Ian Maatsen, according to Bild.

The German tabloid claims that the Bundesliga club have been keeping tabs on the Dutchman for a long time and they have now decided to make their move for the Chelsea fullback.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will also make their own approach for Maatsen. David Moyes’ side have been regularly linked with the defender since the summer but finances could make any deal in January difficult.

The London club are believed to be in a position where they need to sell players before they buy, and Maatsen may not be available on the cheap.

Burnley had a £31.5m offer accepted for the left-back in August, so you would expect Chelsea will be looking for a similar fee this month.

Why are West Ham interested in Maatsen?

The 21-year-old is an attack-minded fullback, who can also be deployed in positions further up the pitch if required.

With Aaron Cresswell set to leave the London Stadium in the not-too-distant future, there is a need to find a replacement who could provide genuine competition for Emerson Palmieri.

Maatsen’s ability to play as a winger could also make him an attractive purchase, with the Hammers said to be interested in signing a wide player if Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet both leave.

What are West Ham’s priorities for the January transfer window?

It does look as if the Irons will focus their efforts on bringing in players on loan. Respected insider source ExWHUEmployee has confirmed a move for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho would be considered.

However, the England international’s wages could prove to be a major stumbling block. Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson, Juventus’s Samuel Iling-Junior, Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Norwich’s Jonathan Lowe are said to be more realistic targets.