Chelsea transfers: De Bruyne & Bertrand set for exits, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Kevin De Bruyne is “close” to leaving Chelsea – and left-back Ryan Bertrand has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

The Belgium international, who joined the Blues in 2011, is expected to seal a reported £16m move to Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in the current transfer window.

Kevin De Bruyne is more than probably going to leave

Jose Mourinho

And speaking at his media conference ahead of his side’s clash against Manchester United on Sunday, Mourinho confirmed that the 22-year-old is on the brink of an exit from Stamford Bridge.

“Kevin De Bruyne is more than probably going to leave,” Mourinho said. “He’s close.”

The 50-year-old Chelsea boss also confirmed that Bertrand has joined struggling Aston Villa on loan to secure regular first-team football.

“We’ve also decided that Ryan Bertrand is the best thing is for him to go on loan until the end of the season,” he added.

“He’s a good player and he needs to play. For the moment, my options for left-back are Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta.

“So for Ryan, we felt that he needs to play because he is a good player. He’s going to Aston Villa until the end of the season.”

Villa manager Paul Lambert also expressed his delight at landing highly-rated Blues defender Bertrand.

“Ryan brings a lot of big-game experience, not only in the Premier League but even a Champions League final which Chelsea won, so he’ll be really good for us,” Lambert added.

“The way he plays the game and as a person, too, he’ll fit in here great and it will be good for him also to be playing games. He has real enthusiasm for the game and he’s looking forward to playing here.

“We’re grateful to Chelsea for allowing him to come here on loan and we know he’ll be really good to work with.”