Sevilla will complete move for Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta 'within hours' says club president

Sevilla hope to confirm the transfer of Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta within hours, says the Spanish club's president.

Kakuta, 23, had struggled to impress in a series of loan moves away from Stamford Bridge but enjoyed a stellar campaign for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga during the 2014-15 season.

His performances last term have prompted Sevilla to step in and the club appear set to add Kakuta to their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

In a message posted through the club's official website, club president Jose Castro said: "The deal is very close and we can confirm it in the coming hours."

Kakuta has been a Chelsea player since 2009 and was tipped for great things upon his arrival in west London as a 16-year-old from RC Lens in France.

He impressed in Chelsea's academy, convincing then manager Carlo Ancelotti to hand him his first-team debut for the Blues against Wolves later that year.

But the winger would go on to make just five more appearances for the Blues and in 2010, Chelsea were banned from making transfers for two windows after being found to have encouraged breach of contract in Kakuta's initial move, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the punishment.

Unsuccessful loans spells across Europe at Fulham, Bolton Wanderers, Dijon, Vitesse Arnhem and Lazio followed for the former France Under-21 international but a move to Sevilla could pave the way for a fresh start.

Kakuta is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Chelsea will still be due compensation for the move owing to him being under the age of 24.

He will become the second player to leave Chelsea this summer, after the departure of veteran striker Didier Drogba.