Chelsea
are close to signing Reading centre-back Michael Hector for £4m, according
to Sky sources.
The Jamaica international, 23, established himself as one of the finest
defenders in the Championship last season following 11 spells out on loan,
including time with non-league clubs Bracknell Town, Havant & Waterlooville
and Horsham.
Hector, who represented Jamaica at the Copa America this summer, only signed
a new three-year contract with Reading in July and has already featured five
times for the club this season.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was keen to bolster his side's defensive
options following a shaky start to the new Premier League campaign, which
has included defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
As well as closing in on a deal for Hector, the Blues have completed the
signing of Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji, according to the French club.
A Nantes statement on Tuesday said the Senegal international has signed a
four-year contract with Chelsea, while Sky sources say the fee is £2.7m.
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