Chelsea centre-back Kenneth Omeruo set for second loan spell at Middlesbrough

Nigerian Kenneth Omeruo passes the ball during a World Cup preparation friendly match in Chester, Pennsylvania, on June 3, 2014

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has expressed a desire to secure another loan deal for Chelsea centre-back Kenneth Omeruo, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Blues defender had been on international duty with Nigeria at the World Cup but returned this week in light of the Super Eagles’ 2-0 defeat to France in their last-16 knockout tie.

The 20-year-old gave a good account of himself in Brazil, yet that’s not what’s prompted the Boro manager to explore a season-long loan for the Nigerian.

“I like Kenneth not because of what he has done at the World Cup, I like him because he’s a very good guy and very good player,” Karanka said.

Omeruo joined the League One side last January on loan and made 14 appearances before the season’s conclusion, winning a whopping 62% of his duels during that period. Karanka was impressed with Omeruo’s performances throughout that brief stint at the Riverside Stadium and suggested that a return was imminent, with both the player and Chelsea receptive to the deal.

“He played those games in a very good way. I was in contact with him during the World Cup, he wants to join us, Chelsea want to send us the player on loan and we would like to have him back with us again.”