According to reports, Stoke City is eyeing a loan move for Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and talks are scheduled to be heard. The England Uner-21 international has seen his progress halted by injuries this season and would like to start the new year on a new note.
Although Chelsea had earlier refused to let the exciting prospect leave on any condition, it seems Antonio Conte has other targets in January as they are ready to leave him on loan. Stoke City are not the only club to want the youngster, but West Ham United, Watford, Middlesbrough and Swansea City are also in the queue.
Loftus-Cheek could only start six Premier League games for his club as he has struggled to establish himself since breaking into the first team in the 2014/15 season. Although last season saw him making a name for himself with 13 appearances and one goal in the Blue shirt, this season has been quiet for the Chelsea youth product.
Loftus-Cheek could be a devastating player and he has shown glimpses of that. Apart from being aerially tremendously strong in the air at 191cm, he can dribble past opponents with relative ease and has an eye for perfect through balls.
Loftus-Cheek has been regarded as one of the future prospects of England team since his impressive display last season and while the likes of Kyle Walker and Ross Barkley has already made their mark, he is yet to grab eyeballs. Hence, a loan move for him is essential.
Now, with Oscar gone and Mikel on the verge of moving out, Conte could actually use Loftus-Cheek in the middle of the park where he could use his huge frame to the fullest. Championship club Brighton have also expressed in the player, although it would mean demotion into the Championship.
Apart from that, German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach who shares a good relation with Chelsea and already have their Danish defender Andreas Christensen on loan, have also expressed their interest. However, Stoke City looks to share the closest bond with Chelsea when it comes to loaning out players, who have taken Victor Moses and Marco van Ginkel on loan in the past two seasons.
The Potters have one of the thickest core of quality midfielders in the Premier League in the likes of Joe Allen, Charlie Adam, Imbula, Glenn Whelan and Ireland. Loftus-Cheek could really get the chance to flourish playing alongside them.
