Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo has told Middlesbrough he wants to return to the Riverside next season.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Championship outfit and made a good impression in 14 appearances.

Omeruo’s stock continued to rise this summer as he starred for Nigeria in the World Cup in Brazil and is now on holiday following the Super Eagles’ exit.

But despite the added attention, Boro manager Aitor Karanka remains confident he will be able to call upon the central defender again next term.

“I hope that Ken is going to come here again because he has told me he wants to join us,” he told the Evening Gazette.

“He wants to join us, Chelsea want him to come to us, I want him and for this reason I hope it is sorted as soon as possible.”

Omeruo signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea in May but is  yet to make a first team appearance for the Blues.