According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are interested in signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer, with Crystal Palace also keen.
What’s the story?
Well, the 26-year-old is hoping to stay at Chelsea after scoring the opener in the FA Cup Semi-Final win over Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday.
The Daily Mail believe he has now earned the trust of Thomas Tuchel, which will come as bad news for West Ham and Crystal Palace.
Everton are also interested in signing the England international, while José Mourinho’s Roma are monitoring Loftus-Cheek as well.
It comes after Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish admitted he would happily take the Chelsea No.12 if he is unable to re-sign Conor Gallagher this summer.
The Mirror quote the 56-year-old as saying: “If there’s an opportunity to get him (Gallagher) or even Ruben Loftus-Cheek then of course. These are top players and it’s been brilliant having him here this year, not just because of what he does on the pitch.”
So far this season, Loftus-Cheek has made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal while also providing four assists.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek must join West Ham or Crystal Palace
In our view, Loftus-Cheek is too good to not be a regular starter.
At Stamford Bridge, he must compete with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, so it’s difficult to see how he’ll start regularly.
At West Ham, Loftus-Cheek could become one of the first names on the teamsheet alongside Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice, which would be one of the best midfield trios in the Premier League.
On the other hand, the Londoner knows Selhurst Park well having spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan with Crystal Palace, so a return to SE25 would also be beneficial for his career.
Of course, it will be difficult to give up Champions League football and the chance to win trophies at Chelsea, but Loftus-Cheek is simply too good to be a bit-part player.
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