Chelsea`s Nathan Ake joins Watford on loan

London: Chelsea`s Nathan Ake will spend the season on loan at Premier League new-boys Watford, the English champions confirmed on Friday.

Ake had just signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho believes he needs a lengthy spell on loan before he is ready for action with the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The 20-year-old Dutchman, who can play in either midfield or defence, arrived at Chelsea in July 2011 and lifted the FA Youth Cup in his first season, before winning the club`s Young Player of the Year award for 2012-13.

However, Ake has featured just 12 times for Chelsea, including a substitute appearance against Watford in the FA Cup in January.

He spent a month on loan at Reading in March and played five times for the Royals in the Championship.

"Nathan Ake has today signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea," a statement on Chelsea`s website read.

"The 20-year-old will continue his development by spending this season on loan in the Premier League at Watford."

Watford have already added 10 new players since last season`s promotion from the championship and are reportedly close to signing former West Ham forward Alessandro Diamanti, who has been training with the club.