Chelsea sanction the sale of England centre-back

Chelsea have reportedly sanctioned the sale of defender Michael Hector to Fulham, though the Englishman won't be eligible to feature until the turn of the year.

The 27-year-old was touted to pursue a fresh challenge away from the Blues during the English transfer window but a move failed to materialise before the deadline.

Still, he had been fancied to part ways with the Blues and it has now been confirmed that he will officially become a Fulham player when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

"It's good to now be a part of the set-up here. Hopefully things can work out well and we can get promoted. I know how tough the Championship is and it won't be any different for us," he told Fulham's official website.

Hector is expected to train with the Cottagers during the forthcoming months before the registration takes place in January. Fulham have made a decent start on their Championship return with 10 points from six games.