Newcastle United are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims in its print edition (Page 52, 29 May) that the Magpies, Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all keen on signing the 22-year-old playmaker this summer.
It is understood that Palace want to land him after his successful loan spell at Selhurst Park this season, but feel they could be priced out of his signature.
The report details that Loftus-Cheek will decide his Chelsea future once the uncertainty around the manager is cleared up and that he could be worth up to £40million if he shines with England at the World Cup this summer.
Loftus-Cheek is reportedly on a £60,000-a-week deal with Chelsea and it’s unclear whether he could leave on a loan or permanent basis next season, or alternatively still break into the first team.
Good move for Newcastle?
Loftus-Cheek would be a sensational signing if he moved to Newcastle and has the potential to rip up the Premier League in the coming years.
He is a central midfielder by trade that is confident in possession and possesses a goal threat, but also showed with Palace that he can play wide left and England supporters could see him in that role for the World Cup.
His creativity would be a major positive if added to Rafael Benitez’s squad and the kind of marquee summer signing fans would adore.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It seems unlikely that Newcastle will pull off a deal for Loftus-Cheek and many Chelsea fans want him promoted to the senior team next year.
Meanwhile, if a loan exit is deemed more appropriate next season then surely Palace will have to be considered frontrunners.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10