Chelsea signed Michael Hector from Reading

Chelsea have signed defender Michael Hector on a five-year deal from Reading and immediately loaned the 23-year-old back to the Championship club for the 2015-16 season.

Jose Mourinho's pursuit of Everton centre-half John Stones proved one of the most talked-about stories during the transfer window.

Yet with Everton holding firm in their desire to hold on to the England international, Mourinho has instead made two lower-profile additions to his defensive ranks on deadline day, with Hector's capture following the arrival of Papy Djilobodji from Nantes.

A Jamaica international, Hector thrived at Reading last season under the management of former Chelsea player and coach Steve Clarke, who welcomed the deal.

"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," said Clarke.

"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."