Ryan Bertrand open to permanent Chelsea exit

Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand has hinted that he is considering leaving the club on a permanent basis at the end of his loan deal with Southampton.

After failing to hold down a first-team place at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Aston Villa, before joining the Saints on a season-long loan this summer.

The left-back has impressed at St Mary's and scored his first goal for Southampton in their 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

"Since I left to go on loan to Villa, it's been about me again," Bertrand told The Metro.

"I'd never rule anything out, but it's just been about getting out there and playing consistently without the thought process of what Chelsea think or whether I'm going back there."

Bertrand has also been loaned out to Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest during his Chelsea career.