Could Newcastle beat London clubs to the signing of Loftus-Cheek?

There continues to be speculation over the future of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who looks increasingly likely to leave Chelsea again on loan in January.

Loftus-Cheek scored after coming on as a substitute in Sunday’s derby win against Fulham but has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge.


He impressed last season while on loan at Crystal Palace, who would like to take him back to Selhurst Park.

There has also been interest from West Ham, who have been widely tipped to try to snap him up when the transfer window opens.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Newcastle are also interested in the England midfielder, as are Bournemouth.

Would Loftus-Cheek make the move to Tyneside? It seems unlikely given the South Londoner’s enthusiasm to stay in the capital and join Palace last year.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson has made no secret of his desire to take the player back to Selhurst Park, where his impressive performances earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.

However, before the January window arrives, Loftus-Cheek remains determined to do all he can to convince Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri to give him a regular place in the Blues side.

“When I get time to play I am always doing my best,” Loftus-Cheek told the club website.

“This season it looked like I am getting time in the Europa League and I had to be ready for that

“And if I do well in the Europa League then maybe I will get more minutes in the Premier League, like this game, and I will try to do my best.

“The more I play the better I feel and the better I play.”