Marcel Brands' transfer plans at Everton have suffered blow this week

Everton had reportedly wanted to make a move for Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the January transfer window.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea interacts with supporters during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London,...

Marcel Brands’ plans to take Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan at Everton in the January transfer window have taken a battering this week.

Loftus-Cheek scored a hat-trick for Chelsea in the Europa League on Thursday evening, before backing that performance up with a goal this weekend.

The England international scored during Chelsea’s win over Burnley yesterday, and has now surely confirmed his status as a part of Maurizio Sarri’s squad at Stamford Bridge.

There were fears that Loftus-Cheek would choose to leave, but after four goals in two games, the 22-year-old has proven his worth.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea during the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Chelsea and FC BATE Borisov at Stamford Bridge on October 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

And Everton’s hopes of landing Loftus-Cheek in January are now surely over.

The Daily Express had reported how Everton were set to make a move for Loftus-Cheek in two months’ time, with Brands setting his sights on the attacking midfielder.

But the Toffees’ chances of making what could have been a seriously exciting signing are now surely over, with Everton likely to have to look elsewhere for other options.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on May 28, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.