Ruben Loftus-Cheek is considering his future at Chelsea and is willing to entertain offers on Deadline Day, according to the Express, following interest from Everton and Aston Villa.
The England midfielder is open to leaving Stamford Bridge permanently before Tuesday’s deadline, with clubs in England and Italy keen. Thomas Tuchel has also warned the 25-year-old that his chances to feature will be limited, should he remain in west London.
Loftus-Cheek impressed the German during pre-season, but Tuchel favours Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante as his midfield three. The Chelsea boss additionally questions if the £60,000-per-week technician actually fits any of the roles in his desired 3-4-2-1 system.
Chelsea are also exploring signing Atletico Madrid star Saul, to further push Loftus-Cheek to the fringes of Tuchel’s squad. So, he is serious considering the prospect of leaving the club on Deadline Day, after initially wanting to stay.
Everton, Aston Villa and Southampton have all shown an interest in signing Loftus-Cheek if he leaves Chelsea this summer. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who added that his high wage could prove an issue for either party.
Additionally, The Sun backed up claims of Southampton’s interest, but Corriere dello Sport report Roma are also now an option. Yet the Express add Chelsea are not forcing Loftus-Cheek out the door as they want to fight for multiple titles.
The Blues will, however, listen to offers for either permanent or loan transfers, providing any temporary move features an option or obligation to buy. Loftus-Cheek has three years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Should Everton, Villa or Southampton move for Chelsea outcast Lotus-Cheek?
Loftus-Cheek is yet to feature at any stage for Chelsea this season after four games across all competitions. Yet Tuchel could block his potential exit if the Blues fail to sign Saul, Goal report.
Aston Villa, Everton or Southampton could sign a midfielder capable of commanding the engine room if Lotus-Cheek leaves Chelsea, though. Scott Parker hailed the 10-cap maestro as ‘exceptional’, via football.london, while on loan with Fulham last season.
Parker additionally praised Loftus-Cheek for how the London-born star continually improved following a long period out injured. The now Bournemouth boss said, via the Daily Mail: “He had been out for an extremely long time and had not played a lot of football. I’ve just seen someone grow, grow and grow into the player who we’ve all seen.
“There’s still loads to come, but this is a player at this moment in time who, given moments in games, can take the game by the scruff of the neck and be that powerful, technically-gifted midfield player.”
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