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Football

15th Dec 2018

At least two clubs will attempt to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek in January

The Chelsea midfielder will have options to go out on loan in the winter but Maurizio Sarri will fight to keep him at Chelsea

Reuben Pinder

Another loan could do him good

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could become the subject of a transfer window tug-of-war, as Bournemouth and West Ham both prepare to move for him.

The 22-year-old has already made 12 appearances for Chelsea this season – more than expected after the arrival of Mateo Kovacic. Loftus-Cheek has impressed in those12 games for the Blues this season but has struggled to nail down a regular place in Maurizio Sarri’s first team.

Both Eddie Howe and Manuel Pellegrini are keen on signing him on loan with an option to make the move permanent, according to the reports.

He enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Crystal Palace last season, and Bournemouth and West Ham both believe they can offer him the best place to further his development.

The midfielder played in the 2-2 Europa League draw at Vidi on Thursday but won’t start against Brighton at the weekend, with Jorginho, N’Golo Kanté and Kovacic ahead of him in the pecking order.

Chelsea are unlikely to let Loftus-Cheek go out on loan though, having rejected approaches from Schalke and Monaco in the summer.