Chelsea rule out Ruben Loftus-Cheek sale to Crystal Palace

Chelsea have reportedly ruled out selling midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Crystal Palace once his loan with the Eagles expires.

Loftus-Cheek, who joined Palace in a season-long stint from the Blues, had made just 14 starts for Chelsea prior to the temporary move.

According to the Evening Standard, however, the 21-year-old remains an important consideration in Antonio Conte's plans at Stamford Bridge from next season.

Chelsea recently signed fellow midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton, and despite Conte already possessing the likes of N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Danny Drinkwater in midfield, the report says that the Italian has plans to include Loftus-Cheek in his squad.

The England international, who has impressed while at Selhurst Park, was handed two senior Three Lions caps by manager Gareth Southgate in November internationals against Germany and Brazil.