Bristol City sign Chelsea’s longest-serving player Tomas Kalas for club-record fee

Bristol City have signed defender Tomas Kalas from Chelsea for a club-record fee.

The 26-year-old Czech Republic international signed for the Robins on a permanent basis following a season-long loan.

Kalas was on the books at Chelsea for nine years - making him the longest-serving Blues player - but only made four first-team appearances.

The centre-back, who featured 41 times for City last season, has agreed a four-year contract with the Ashton Gate side.

The fee paid to secure Kalas’ services has not been disclosed but it is thought to be in the region of £8million, which is a club record.

‘This was the right move for me’ - Kalas on signing for City

All four of Kalas' outings for Chelsea came under Jose Mourinho in the 2013-14 season.

He had loan spells with Sigma Olomouc, Vitesse Arnhem, Cologne, Middlesbrough and Fulham before his switch to Bristol City last summer.

City head coach Lee Johnson described Kalas as a “fantastic player with a winning mentality”.