Chelsea hands Kalas new deal, sends him back on loan to Fulham

Chelsea's favourite new game of tying a player down to a contract and promptly sending him out on loan continued Thursday with Tomas Kalas re-joining Fulham.

The Czech international signed a four-year deal with the Blues, and then returned to the second-tier Cottagers after flourishing there last season.

Chelsea ensured that Tammy Abraham, Kurt Zouma, and Mason Mount all inked long-term contracts before they left on respective loan terms, showing evidence of how highly rated each player is at Stamford Bridge - or how they could turn the club a profit in the future.

"We appreciate Tomas so much after the way that he battled for us last season, demonstrating not only tremendous skill but also great heart and determination," Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said of the 24-year-old defender. "We're very excited to have him here again as one of us as we prepare for our next battle, and what we hope will be a great season!"

Kalas will continue to work alongside Lucas Piazon, another Chelsea prospect sent on a second loan to Fulham.