TEENAGE Cherries defender Jonathan Muleba has joined Conference South high-fliers Gosport Borough on a youth loan.

The 19-year-old, a member of Stephen Purches’s development squad at Dean Court, will initially stay with Boro for a month.

Muleba joined Cherries from Chelsea in January following a successful trial spell with the club and signed a two-and-a-half year contract.

He opted to move despite having been offered a contract extension at Stamford Bridge where he was a regular in Chelsea's Premier League under-18 team.

The versatile defender, who can operate anywhere across the back four, made two appearances during a loan spell at Poole Town last season before his stay was cut short by injury.

Gosport, who are managed by former Wimborne boss Alex Pike, are currently third in Conference South having enjoyed a fruitful first half to the season.

They have suffered only two defeats in their past 22 games in all competitions, one of which came in the first round of the FA Cup at the hands of League One outfit Colchester.

Muleba could be in contention to make his debut when Boro, who reached the final of the FA Trophy last season, entertain Basingstoke Town at Privett Park tomorrow.