---
title: "Southampton: Saints eye Ruben Loftus-Cheek"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-saints-loftus-cheek-chelsea-fulham-ralph-hasenhuttl-michael-ballack-st-marys-stadium/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-05-16T17:05:29Z"
modified: "2021-05-16T17:05:29Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints eye Ruben Loftus-Cheek

**[According to The Daily Express](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1436177/Chelsea-transfer-news-Ruben-Loftus-Cheek-Southampton-loan-Premier-League-transfers), 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.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”338761″\]

With Ryan Bertrand confirmed to be leaving ([southamptonfc.com](https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-05-12/statement-ryan-bertrand-southampton-football-club-contract)) and Danny Ings linked with a move away ([Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12253648/transfer-news-man-city-interested-in-danny-ings-as-sergio-agueros-potential-successor-this-summer)), 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](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1436177/Chelsea-transfer-news-Ruben-Loftus-Cheek-Southampton-loan-Premier-League-transfers) and earns [£120,000 a week](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1436177/Chelsea-transfer-news-Ruben-Loftus-Cheek-Southampton-loan-Premier-League-transfers).

### **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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ruben-loftus-cheek/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/202886)), 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.

\[freshpress-poll id=”357493″\]

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel recently [compared him to Michael Ballack](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1436177/Chelsea-transfer-news-Ruben-Loftus-Cheek-Southampton-loan-Premier-League-transfers), who scored [151](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michael-ballack/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/63) 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.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-transfer-rumours/southampton-saints-ralph-hasenhuttl-st-marys-stadium-odsonne-edouard-celtic-danny-ings-virgil-van-dijk/)***