Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly emerged as a surprise target for Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04.
It’s claimed by the Mirror that the German outfit would be keen to take the promising midfielder on a season-long loan, with first-team football at Chelsea this term certainly not a guarantee.
Loftus-Cheek spent the duration of last season on loan at Crystal Palace and flourished, establishing himself as a key player in Roy Hodgson’s side as the season progressed.
The youngster’s performances throughout the season with the Eagles earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for the World Cup this summer, where Loftus-Cheek caught the eye with some strong displays.
However, following the arrival of Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, Loftus-Cheek’s position and role in the Chelsea side remains unclear.
It’s believed by the Mirror that Loftus-Cheek, ideally, would prefer to stay put at Chelsea and fight for his place in the starting line-up.
However, with competition for places in the Blues’ midfield increased following the arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho in the summer transfer window, first-team opportunities could be hard to come by.
