Chelsea duo Nathan Aké and Tomas Kalas are set for another loan stint this upcoming season as both reportedly edge closer to a move to Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough.
José Mourinho has continued to trust close friend Aitor Karanka with Chelsea youth by agreeing deals for both defenders. Aké, 20, spent a brief period on loan with Championship side Reading last season, making five appearances, but has been assured of his future with Chelsea by Mourinho. Kalas spent his 2014/15 campaign with Boro, making 17 appearances.
With places in the first-team few and far between at Chelsea, both Aké and Kalas are forced to gain first-team experience elsewhere as they hope to progress their respective careers. Karanka's side were beaten in the play-off final last season after a fantastic campaign and the two young Chelsea players may be key in a bid to finally gain promotion.
Kalas has been away with the Czech Republic at the U21 European Championships, captaining the side as they crashed out in the group stage. Kalas has broken into the senior side, making one appearance while Aké has yet to make an appearance for the Dutch national team.
Mourinho is hoping Karanka can continue to help Chelsea loanees impress in the Championship, such as Patrick Bamford and Kenneth Omeruo did last season. The Chelsea boss rates Aké highly but wants to see how the Dutch youngster deals with playing at a top club on weekly basis. Kalas did impress for the Blues in his only Premier League appearance, keeping Luis Suárez quiet in a 2-0 win at Anfield towards the end of the 2013-14 campaign.
The move would seal Kalas' sixth loan move while Ake would be on his second stint away from Stamford Bridge. Whether both could return to their parent club during the course of the 2015/16 season remains in doubt but both could play key roles for Middlesbrough if and when the deals are completed.