Chelsea want Reading defender Michael Hector to cut-short loan deal

Championship side Reading are hopeful of retaining defender Michael Hector for the remainder of the season despite the plans of Premier League holders Chelsea to recall him from his season-long loan. The Blues signed the 23-year-old on the final day of the summer transfer window before loaning him back to the Berkshire club for the rest of the campaign.

Jose Mourinho's side are understood to have a break clause in the arrangement that allows them to recall Hector during the January window, which marks the midway point in the season. The Royals are however unperturbed by the stipulation in the agreement and are ready to keep hold of the Jamaica international.

Club executive Samrit Thanakanchanasut reportedly told Goal.com: "Chelsea want him back early but I think we'll retain him as we agreed until the end of the season." Hector has made 10 league starts for Steve Clarke's side this term, with Reading currently seventh in the second tier, eight points adrift of the top.

Clarke, a former assistant to Mourinho at Chelsea, was more receptive to Hector being recalled in the new year after admitting a clause did exist, which allowed the Stamford Bridge side to add the player to their squad. Hector would be eligible to play for Chelsea in the Premier League as a home grown player and could be included in the Champions League roster for the knockout phase as one of three mid-season alterations.

"It's not something that I've discussed with anybody [Hector's recall] but I imagine that Chelsea would be able to recall him in the January window," he said according to Get Reading. "Its par for the course that any team who does a seaso- long loan always has a recall in January. But I want Michael to stay for the full season which is something that Chelsea said they would allow us to do."