Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Chelsea youngster Tomas Kalas will join on loan, according to Gazette Live.

Kalas will join fellow Chelsea teammates Jamal Blackman, Patrick Bamford and Kenneth Omeruo who are also on loan at Middlesbrough, as Karanka utilises his link with Jose Mourinho who he was assistant to at Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old cut short a disappointing loan spell at German side Cologne, with QPR also interested in him.

He was praised last season after keeping Premier League player of the year Luis Suarez out of the game in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Liverpool in what was an excellent defensive display.

Speaking after Boro beat Barnsley 2-0 in the FA Cup, Karanka said to Gazette Live: "I think he will train with us to tomorrow and when everything is completed he can play for Middlesbrough

"The main thing is player is here and the player wants to be here. He is a central defender and right-back.

"I know him because since I came here I have wanted him but I couldn't get him until now. He's a player who I have known for a long time and I am pleased he is here."

Kalas, 21, joined Chelsea in 2010 from Sigma Olomuc for a fee of £5.2 millon, but he has yet to cement a regular first-team slot in the side.

The 21-year-old had a productive spell on loan at Vitesse from 2011 to 2013, where he went on to make 66 appearances in the Dutch League, subsequently aiding the defender’s development as a professional footballer.

Middlesbrough are currently fourth in the Sky Bet Championship table, five points adrift of leaders AFC Bournemouth.

The signing of Kalas will present him with first-team opportunities that is essential for a player of his age, and with a few Chelsea players already on loan at the club, settling in shouldn’t be too difficult for the defender.