According to The Daily Express, Southampton are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer.
The Lowdown: Busy summer ahead
This campaign has been a mixed one for the Saints. It started positively – they were top of the Premier League at one point – and they also reached the FA Cup semi-final. However, they underperformed against Leicester City at Wembley as they lost 1-0, while they have dropped into the bottom half of the league table and were very much looking like they could be in relegation trouble until recent weeks.
With Ryan Bertrand confirmed to be leaving (southamptonfc.com) and Danny Ings linked with a move away (Sky Sports), there could be plenty of transfer business conducted at St. Mary’s Stadium this summer.
The Latest: Saints eye Loftus-Cheek
In terms of arrivals, it is being reported that Ralph Hasenhuttl and co are interested in midfielder Loftus-Cheek, who has spent the season on loan at relegated Fulham.
The Saints are said to be eager to sign him on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal if the agreement is a success. He is believed to be valued by the Blues at £20m and earns £120,000 a week.
The Verdict: Unfulfilled potential
Loftus-Cheek, it feels, has been around for years, yet he is still to fulfil his undoubtedly huge potential. He has made 82 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists (Transfermarkt), while he also has 10 England caps to his name. Yet, at the age of 25, he has just spent the season at a side who will be dropping back down to the Championship at the first time of asking.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel recently compared him to Michael Ballack, who scored 151 goals throughout an illustrious career. That suggests he may have a chance of making it at Stamford Bridge, but with the plethora of options available to Tuchel, there is no guarantee. A switch to Southampton could be a fantastic move for all involved.
In other news, Southampton are interested in this striker.
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