Bristol City have completed the hotly anticipated permanent signing of centre-back Tomas Kalas for a club record fee, the Robins' official website confirmed.

The 26-year-old impressed during a loan spell at Ashton Gate from Chelsea last season and has now penned a four-year permanent deal, becoming Lee Johnson's sixth signing of the summer.

Kalas made 38 appearances in the Championship for Johnson's side and 41 in all competitions, becoming a firm fan favourite along the way.

The move signals his first permanent one since moving from Czech side Sigma Olomouc to Stamford Bridge in 2010, although since then he has been sent out on loan seven times

His arrival came just hours after the signings of versatile Doncaster Rovers man Tommy Rowe and Colchester United goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin were confirmed and follows Jay Da Silva, Sammie Szmodics, Robbie Cundy and Daniel Bentley into the club.

Last season saw the Robins narrowly miss out on a spot in the top-six despite looking likely to finish comfortably within the play-offs.

The verdict

This is a serious show of intent from Bristol City ahead of what could be a very exciting season for them.

Kalas proved himself to be an excellent centre-back at this level last season and formed a strong partnership with Adam Webster.

So you get the feeling that landing Kalas may prove crucial in keeping Webster at the club too as he will be assured the club he is currently with means serious business.

The likes of Rowe, Da Silva, Szmodics and Bentley arriving all show the planning that has gone into this summer. Johnson and co have clearly learnt that they will need greater depth to maintain a promotion push and that is what they have tried to achieve.