Bristol City have signed Czech Republic defender Tomas Kalas on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons on loan at Fulham, helping the Cottagers win promotion to the Premier League in May – having previously done the same with Middlesbrough back in 2016.Kalas joined Chelsea in 2010, but has played just a handful of games for the Blues and joins his sixth different loan club with City.Robins head coach Lee Johnson was thrilled to have signed a player with proven Championship pedigree and told his club’s official website: “Tomas’ signing shows the ambition that Bristol City have because there was a lot of interest and we beat a number of Championship and top European clubs to get him.“The experience Tomas brings to this football club will be invaluable and I am really looking forward to working with him.“He has already proven himself at Championship level and I have no doubts that he can help us in our bid to reach new heights.”City have previously had a number of players on loan from Chelsea and were keen to extend the link between the two clubs.“We are delighted to have furthered the relationship we have had with Chelsea over the last few years with the signings of Tammy Abraham, Jay Dasilva and now Tomas,” CEO Mark Ashton said.“There was a lot of interest from other clubs but Tomas was someone Lee wanted and the relationship with Chelsea has worked well for both clubs and we hope it continues.”

Kalas is hoping he can continue his impressive record of promotion from the Championship with his new club.

“It would be nice to keep on going that way and at least get into the play-offs with Bristol City and try and get promoted,” said Kalas.

“I’m very excited to get my situation sorted and join a club that is willing to play football.

“When I was at Fulham we met teams like Bristol City so I am glad that I am joining a club who want to play football and not just kick long balls.”