Crystal Palace close to loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly moved to the brink of signing a loan deal with Crystal Palace.

Loftus-Cheek has been tipped for a bright future at Stamford Bridge, but he was restricted to just 31 minutes of Premier League football last season.

The Blues will have to contend with more football during the upcoming campaign due to their return to the Champions League, but it appears that the 21-year-old is being sent out on loan.

According to The Telegraph, Palace have won the race for Loftus-Cheek and he is scheduled to be announced as Frank de Boer's first signing at Selhurst Park.

Palace are currently light in the centre of midfield after Joe Ledley and Mathieu Flamini were released, and that could leave Loftus-Cheek in a strong position to start the season in the first XI.

The England Under-21 international has made a total of 32 appearances for Chelsea, but he has featured in the starting lineup in the top flight on just six occasions.