Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez should reignite interest in Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek

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Rafa Benitez is a known admirer of Crystal Palace’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and here’s why he should revisit his interest in signing him this summer.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is all but confirmed to stay at Newcastle United beyond the summer, and as a result he is looking to bolster his squad ahead of loftier ambitious next season.

The Spaniard is a known admirer of Crystal Palace loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek – who is currently partaking in England’s final preparations for the World Cup – and he could potentially move for the 22-year-old in the near future, who is set to return to Chelsea this summer after an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace.

There has been talk of the Londoner returning to parent-club Chelsea this window, but Loftus-Cheek is best advised to stay away, having being gifted opportunities sparingly at Stamford Bridge. And given this year’s shortcomings, the club are likely to invest heavily again with midfield being touted as one of the top priorities for the Blues.

The midfielder would become an instant starter at St James’ Park though and could flourish along-side fellow countryman Jonjo Shelvey.

Loftus-Cheek’s rare blend of physicality and technical ability allows him to carry the ball forward and breeze past defensive counterparts, creating opportunities in the final third.

And his qualities would certainly be welcome in a side that frequently becomes penned in their defensive third in a zonal system, while looking to break quickly.

Chelsea are unlikely to consider letting arguably their finest academy graduate leave the club on a permanent basis, but Newcastle would certainly benefit from a loan-deal and it would be in the Blues’ interests to keep their asset constantly playing and developing ahead of his inevitable return.

Newcastle have been interested in Loftus-Cheek in the past, first trying to loan him during their stint in the Championship, before once again targeting the midfielder after achieving promotion.