Chelsea have completed the signing Reading centre-back Michael Hector. The Jamaican international, who represented his country in this years Copa America, has signed for the Blues for a fee of £4m.

The 23-year-old only signed a new three-year contract with Reading in July and has already featured five times for the club this season. He represented Reading as captain last week, and will be loaned back to the Madejski for the remainder of the season.

Hector has had 11 spells out on loan, including time with non-league clubs Bracknell Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Horsham. It’s been a remarkable rise for the player, and Reading boss Steve Clarke is delighted for him.

“This is a great reward for Michael’s strong performances in the second half of last season. I’m delighted for him that he has joined Chelsea and I’m sure that he will seize his opportunity with both hands.”

“Also it’s a good deal for us here at Reading as we get to keep Michael in our squad this season and I look forward to helping him further his development.”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was keen to bolster his defence this summer. The Portuguese failed with three bid’s for Everton’s John Stones and two bids for PSG’s Marquinhos. But now, as well as signing Hector, the Blues have also secured the signing of Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji, the player will cost around £2.2m.

[Quotes via Sky Sports]