Chelsea sign Czech teen star

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of teenage defender Tomas Kalas from Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc.

However the 17-year-old centre-back will not be joining the Blues for a further year, after being loaned back to Olomouc.

The talented youngster has impressed many clubs across Europe but Chelsea moved swiftly to land him.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Reports in the Czech Republic claim Olomouc could earn around £5m from the sale of the player but Chelsea have not confirmed the figure.

Chelsea academy boss Neil Bath said: “Tomas has signed but will spend the first year on loan at his club, Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic.

“He is now going into the under-18s, and made his first-team debut last season. Very athletic and quick, he is a very good one-on-one defender and comfortable on the ball.

“We feel there is a lot of potential in the player, and we feel at the minute it is the right time to get him, but it would be good for him to stay there and get first-team experience, and we look forward to him joining us next year.

“Obviously we will stay in touch and he will come across here when appropriate. He is a right-sided centre-half who can play right-back.”