Chelsea want to recall Hector, Reading claim

Matt Stead

Chelsea want to recall Michael Hector from his loan at Reading in January, according to an executive of the Championship club.

Chelsea signed Hector in a shock deadline-day deal from Reading in the summer, but immediately loaned him back to the Championship side, where has made 14 appearances in their 17 league games so far.

The Blues have struggled so far in defence however, conceding 23 goals in 13 games and keeping only their third clean sheet of the league season against Norwich on Saturday. Reading, on the other hand, boast one of the second-tier’s better records, allowing just 18 goals in 17.

Reading executive Samrit Thanakanchanasut claims that Chelsea are seeking to recall Hector early from his season-long loan.

He told Goal: “Chelsea want him back early but I think we’ll retain him as we agreed until the end of the season.”

Hector’s performances have drawn praise from Reading boss Steve Clarke, Mourinho’s former assistant at Stamford Bridge.

Clarke said, of the 23-year-old: “Michael reads the game well, he sticks his head on the ball, can make tackles and can pass out from the back as well.

“He’s got a lot of good attributes which is why Chelsea decided to take him on board. Hopefully he goes on to have a big career with them.”