Southampton and West Ham are reportedly in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Aston Villa also considering a move for the 24-year-old.
Many conclusions have already been drawn about Frank Lampard’s future as a result of his team selection. Loftus-Cheek was named in the starting XI to face Brighton, but failed to impress in the Blues’ 3–1 win, and has not been included in the matchday squad for both games since. has gone
He was left out of the side for the 6-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the EFL Cup, even with Billy Gilmour, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic – all potential replacements for the England midfielder – injured. Then perhaps it’s not a wild assumption that he could be moved before the transfer window closes in October.
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— Ruben Loftus-Cheek (@RLC) September 12, 2020
It was reported by The Telegraph earlier this week that Villa wanted to take him on loan, and now it seems they are not the only club with an interest. The Guardian claim that West Ham are competing with the Midlands club over a loan deal, while The Mail are leading the way with Southampton, who reportedly see him as a replacement for Pierre-Emile Hodgeberg, who Left for Spurs earlier in the window.
Competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield is fierce, with the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Zech only adding some impressive depth. Loftus-Cheek, who has made 82 appearances for the club, is still recovering from injury, and will likely be looking to rediscover the form he showed on loan with Crystal Palace in 2017/18. had shown up – even if it meant another spell away from Stamford Bridge. .
Loftus-Cheek has not been seen since leaving the pitch against Brighton / Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
When asked after Barnsley’s stunning win, Lampard refused to rule out a move before the window closes. He told reporters: “I keep getting asked about the size of the squad. There could be movement, we know that, but nothing is concrete, so don’t read too much into those picks at the moment. .
“It’s got to be things for the club and for individuals and for me and in terms of what happens in the next couple of weeks.”