Transfer Centre

Southampton join race for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 July 2017

A report claims that Mauricio Pellegrino wants to bring England Under-21s midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Southampton on a season's loan from Chelsea.

New Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has shown an interest in signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea, according to a report.

The 21-year-old has struggled for playing time at Stamford Bridge since emerging from the academy in 2014, being restricted to just six appearances in all competitions last term.

Chelsea are said to have made the youngster available to sign on a season-long loan, with newly-promoted duo Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion both hot on his heels.

Southampton have now entered the race, however, and The Mirror suggests that Pellegrino - appointed last month following his successful spell as Alaves boss - is confident of landing the Englishman's signature.

Tammy Abraham has already been loaned out by the Blues this summer, moving to Swansea City for the 2017-18 campaign, while Nathaniel Chalobah and Isaiah Brown have been tipped to join Watford and Brighton respectively.