Chelsea are on the verge of completing a shock move for Reading centre-back Michael Hector as Blues manager Jose Mourinho seeks to add further options in defence following a porous start to the 2015-16 season.
Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke confirmed on Tuesday the west Londoners were close to completing a move for the 23-year-old, a deal Sami Mokbel and Simon Jones of the MailOnline value at £4.5 million:
Chelsea closing in on the signing of Reading defender Michael Hector. #cfc #readingfc #DeadlineDay
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) September 1, 2015
That report proclaims the Blues outbid fellow top-flight suitors Crystal Palace for the Jamaica international after technical director Michael Emenalo scouted the talent in recent weeks.