Chelsea midfielder CONFIRMS he'll sign new deal in summer

ELCHE'S on-loan midfielder Mario Pasalic insists he'll return to Chelsea in May and sign a new deal.

Mario Pasalic has impressed Jose Mourinho during his loan spell at Elche

The Croatian international arrived at the Blues last summer for £2.5million from Hajduk Split and was immediately farmed out on a season-long deal to Elche.

The 20-year-old has impressed in La Liga, earning valuable first-team experience with 34 appearances in all competitions, grabbing three goals along the way.

His fine form has seen him linked with a move to Serie A giants Lazio, but Jose Mourinho is keen to have him back at Stamford Bridge next season.

And Pasalic, who has been dubbed the 'next Luka Modric, fully expects to pen an extension when he returns to London.

Pasalic said: "Given the intensity of the communications with Chelsea, I’m optimistic that I’ll go to London in late May to sign a new deal with them."