Romeu completes move to Bridge

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Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder Oriol Romeu from Barcelona.

The two clubs recently agreed a fee for the 19-year-old, who has been given a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will head to west London after his involvement in Spain’s Under-20 World Cup campaign in Columbia.

Romeu, who can also operate as a centre-back, made his Barca debut at the end of last season but was not in boss Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans at the Nou Camp.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was particularly keen to sign a midfielder given that Michael Essien will be sidelined for around six months with a knee problem.

“It is an area of the squad we are struggling with because of Michael”s injury,” Villas-Boas said recently.

“Oriol is a player with a bright future. He is one of the most promising young players in that position. ”