Chelsea’s Romeu loaned out to Stuttgart

Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has joined German club Stuttgart on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old signed a new three-year deal with the Blues last month but will continue his development away from Stamford Bridge.

He spent the whole of last season on loan at Valencia, making 18 appearances, having recovered from a serious knee injury suffered in December 2012.

The Spaniard, who emerged through the youth ranks of Espanyol and Barcelona, has played 33 times for Chelsea since joining the club in July 2011.

He was an unused substitute in the 2012 Champions League final but went on to play for Spain in the Olympic Games that summer.