CHELSEA are due to assess Todd Kane at the start of pre-season before deciding whether he will return to Blackburn Rovers on loan.

The right back impressed as a regular in the Rovers’ side under Gary Bowyer at the end of the season, with the manager describing his performances as ‘outstanding’.

Bowyer, who was confirmed as Rovers’ permanent boss on Friday and will be unveiled to the media at a press conference this afternoon, has said he would be keen to bring Kane back to the club next season.

It is understood that the 19-year-old remains interested in a return to Ewood Park, having previously indicated he would like to earn a season-long loan deal with Rovers.

Kane signed a new contract at Chelsea in April, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2016, after the West London club were impressed with his progress on loan.

The Blues are likely to allow Kane to go out on loan again next term to aid his development, but they are currently due to assess the defender in the early stages of pre-season before making a final decision.

Chelsea’s standard procedure with young players is to bring them back for the start of pre-season and possibly take them on an overseas training camp before assessing whether they should go out on loan.

The Blues are due to bring Jose Mourinho back as manager imminently, but it is possible that technical director Michael Emenalo may be the man to make the decision over Kane.

Rovers are yet to make their move but may be eager to bring Kane back as early as possible in their own pre-season preparations.

Other clubs could also make their interest known after watching the player’s displays at the end of the campaign.

Kane was initially brought to Rovers by Bowyer in January on a month’s loan, during the manager’s first spell as caretaker.

Michael Appleton then opted to bring Kane back to Ewood in March on a temporary deal until the end of the season, and the teenager flourished as Bowyer soon returned as caretaker following Appleton’s dismissal.

Rovers want to strengthen at right back and could also look to add a left back to their squad, with Blackpool’s Stephen Crainey linked.

The Scotland international’s contract at Bloomfield Road is about to expire and he is reported to have rejected a new deal, which would have required a pay cut.

Ruben Rochina’s Real Zaragoza will go into their final game of the season second bottom of La Liga after a 4-0 loss at Real Betis.

Rochina, on loan from Rovers, was a half-time substitute in the game.

Zaragoza host third-placed Atletico Madrid in their last match of the campaign on Saturday night, needing to overhaul Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruna in the table to stay in the top flight.