Kalas would be open to staying at Middlesbrough next season

Chelsea F.C. defender Tomas Kalas has revealed he would be opening to returning to Middlesbrough next season if he continues to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

The Czech Republic international, 21, tallied one assist in 17 league appearances for Middlesbrough in 2014/15, but played the final game of his loan spell against Norwich City on Friday evening.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I really want to come back,” Kalas told the Northern Echo. “If I have that option [next season], I will take it.

“I’m glad I’ve been able to come to Middlesbrough, and I want to say thank you to the coach, the staff and everyone involved in the club for making me feel at home. Hopefully, we will meet again next season.

“I’m still a Chelsea player, but at Chelsea it’s always difficult to get into the team. If you don’t see a big chance to play, then it’s better for a young player to get a game somewhere else.

“I spent the first half of the season in Cologne and that was difficult, but I think I made a good decision to come to Middlesbrough and I think I am on the right way back now. Hopefully, that can continue. If I am to go on loan again next season, hopefully it will be here.”

Kalas, who joined the Blues from Czech side SK Sigma Olomouc for a fee of around £5 million in the summer of 2010, is contracted to Chelsea until 30 June 2017.

Vlaar open to Villa stay

Aston Villa centre-back Ron Vlaar has hinted he may put pen to paper on a new contract with the club this summer.

The Holland international, 30, will become a free agent when his current deal expires at the end of the season, with reports suggesting Manchester United are among the clubs interested in his services.

“Things have changed for me in the past few months since [Tim] Sherwood took over,” Vlaar said.

“It’s been a hard season for me with all the injuries. Now I just want to play and be important for the team. This helps – you can trust me on that.

“I don’t know about my future but to be part of this feels so good, to feel the joy and relief after the West Brom game [the FA Cup quarter-final]. So many people came on the pitch.

“The impact for the fans, how big this club and what it all means. I called my dad and said ‘This really means something’. It’s great. Everything helps.”

Vlaar has made 15 English Premier League appearances for Villa this term.