Chelsea complete De Bruyne signing

Chelsea have completed a deal to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Genk and immediately loaned the midfielder back to the Belgian outfit.

The youngster has signed a long-term contract until 2017 after a move worth an estimated 6.7 million pounds.

The 20-year-old had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for many months, but a transfer failed to materialise during the off-season.

Now the Belgian club have announced that the move has been completed, and that the midfielder will return to Genk to finish the season before going to Chelsea.

A statement on Genk’s website said: “The transfer of Kevin De Bruyne to Chelsea has been completed. He has signed for five and a half seasons and will continue (playing with) Genk until June.”

“His signature was confirmed at 0.30am last night (Monday). De Bruyne and his agent will return back today from London, along with general director Dirk Degraen.”

“Genk will hold a press conference with (director) Jacob Gunther and Dirk Degraen in which they will clarify the transfer policy.”

“Afterwards, Kevin De Bruyne will also give an explanation about his transfer to the English club.”

De Bruyne is believed to be seen as a long-term replacement for Florent Malouda, who has been linked with a move away from the west London club at the end of the season.

He joins fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge.