Chelsea defender open to permanent exit

Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand has hinted that he could consider the option of signing a permanent deal with Southampton at the end of the season.

The talented left-back had found it tough to earn first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, and was subsequently forced to make a temporary switch to Southampton for the season.

The England international has now revealed that he is considering the possibility of sealing his future at the South Coast club on a permanent transfer.

"Since I left to go on loan to Villa, it's been about me again," Bertrand said.

"I'd never rule anything out, but it's just been about getting out there and playing consistently without the thought process of what Chelsea think or whether I'm going back there."