Michael Hector challenges Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs (Getty Images)
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Chelsea have announced the signing of Michael Hector from Reading, with the defender set to return on loan to the Madjeski for the rest of the season.
Hector will become the 32nd Chelsea player to go out on loan this season, with the 23-year-old set for the 12th loan spell of his career.
The 6ft 4in centre-back, who started his career at Millwall, played 49 matches for Steve Clarke's team in all competitions last season.
"Chelsea Football Club have today completed the signing of Michael Hector from Reading," Chelsea said on their official website.
"The 23-year-old centre-back, who has signed a five-year-contract, will return to Reading and spend the remainder of this season on loan at the Madejski Stadium."
The Blues completed the signing of Papy Djilobodji earlier in the day from Nantes. The moves for the defenders put the club's hopes of signing John Stones from Everton for further in doubt.
Chelsea: Summer 2015 completed transfers
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The Toffees have rejected four approaches for the highly-rated 21-year-old this summer, the most recent being £38m.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright had released a statement last week saying that the player would not be sold, and than he had rejected a transfer request from him.
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