OPINION
Newcastle United’s transfer activity has been relatively quiet this transfer window but that has not stopped speculation linking them to a number of players, one of them being the young Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Boss Rafa Benitez is said to be keeping a close eye on the youngster from Stamford Bridge, according to the Newcastle Chronicle, as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Newcastle must stun their Premier League rivals and swoop for the 22-year-old passmaster in what could be the club’s signing of the summer.
Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and has admitted he wants regular game time next season, especially in the first team – however, Chelsea will not be able to offer him that with the likes of Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante on the books.
He will struggle to get near the first team with the Blues’ array of world-class players and Newcastle may just be the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent to the maximum.
Benitez would offer Loftus-Cheek regular first-team football at a top ten Premier League side, and the youngster would offer Benitez his ability to control a midfield and provide essential assists.
The young England international would be top-class signing for Newcastle and would thrive alongside the likes of Ayoze Perez, rather than sitting on the bench as a bit-part player for Chelsea.
His arrival would revive a Newcastle team lacking top-class signings, and with midfielder Mikel Merino pondering over his future at St James’ Park, it could not be a better time to swoop for the young maestro.
Gareth Southgate has put his trust in him by picking him for the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will provide Loftus-Cheek with the extra experience he needs to establish himself as a firm fan favourite at Newcastle.