West Ham United have been linked with a move for Chelsea academy graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of the January transfer window.
According to the likes of the Express the Hammers are reportedly in talks over a January loan deal for Chelsea youngster Loftus-Cheek.
The 20-year-old has only made one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this term and reports claim he wants to leave to get more game-time.
Ruben Loftus Cheek celebrates
The Express claim that West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is interested and the Hammers will be largely limited to loan deals.
After a disastrous summer transfer window, West Ham have endured a torrid second season under the former Croatia boss.
The club signed 10 players for the first team in the summer and only Edimilson Fernandes – one signed for the future – has made any kind of impact.
Supporters have been furious with co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold for broken promises over the quality of player the club went in for and the lack of money spent after their move to the 60,000 seater London Stadium.
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold
And while Loftus-Cheek may yet develop into a decent Premier League midfielder, the speculation linking him with West Ham is typical of the East Londoners yet again trying to do things on the cheap.
Loftus-Cheek is not going to see any action for the Blues this season with Antonio Conte enjoying a wonderful first term at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea sit six points clear at the top of the league.
But Bilic should have signed three or four quality players in the summer with the club instead going for quantity over quality.
With at least three key players off to the African Nations in January West Ham’s need for reinforcements is even more acute.
Loftus-Cheek is certainly the cheap and cheerful risk-free kind of loan deal Sullivan – who takes a lead in the running of the club and particularly transfers – loves.
Whether he is anywhere near good enough, though, remains to be seen.
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