Chelsea youngster Cuevas loaned to Vitesse

Chelsea’s Cristian Cuevas has joined Eredivisie side Vitesse on a season-long loan.

The left-sided 18-year-old midfielder, who can also operate in defence, joined the Premier League club from O’Higgins in July.

He is now set to link up with Peter Bosz at the GelreDome, with the Chile Under-20 international awaiting clearance for a British work permit.

Cuevas caught the eye of Stamford Bridge chiefs during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, when he made four appearances for Chile as they reached the quarter-finals.

He came through the youth setup at O’Higgins before breaking into the first team and could feature in the UEFA Europa League this season.

Vitesse finished fourth in the Eredivisie last season and will take on Petrolul in the competition’s third qualifying round second leg on Thursday.

Vitesse gained a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Romania.