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Chelsea have made their second signing on transfer deadline day, agreeing to a deal for Reading center back Michael Hector. The Jamaica international has agreed to a five-year contract with the Blues, but will return to Steve Clarke's side on loan for the 2015/16 season.
.@ChelseaFC have today completed the signing of Michael Hector from Reading... http://t.co/wUCB0mgizp pic.twitter.com/yrm4tmAnQB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 1, 2015
Several other London clubs were interested in Hector, with QPR and Crystal Palace both linked heavily to the 23-year old. Both of those clubs would have insisted on taking Hector immediately, however, making Chelsea a far more palatable option for the Championship side, even if the rumored fee is a bit lower than most Reading fans seem to have expected.
Chelsea now have quite a few talented, young center backs on loan throughout Europe, a 21-year old regular in their first team, and a 26-year old virtual unknown arriving from France. While it's extremely likely that the Blues will be back in for Everton defender John Stones in a future transfer window, what we now have further options in the system as well.
Best of luck this season, Michael. Have fun with Steve Clarke and Lucas Piazon!