Crystal Palace signing Chelsea attacking midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a ‘deal that makes sense’, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
Loftus-Cheek could struggle for game time at Stamford Bridge this season, especially if further additions are made, and a return to south London has been mooted as a result.
What is the latest news involving Loftus-Cheek?
The 26-year-old worked his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans last term, but the return of Conor Gallagher and the potential arrival of Frenkie de Jong have left his long-term future hanging in the balance.
A recent report from The Sun has claimed that Palace are consequently set to launch a ‘shock move’ for the England international after becoming frustrated in their attempts to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.
Signing Loftus-Cheek on a permanent basis could prove to be pretty costly, though, as he still has two years remaining on his £150,000-per-week contract with Chelsea.
Therefore, Palace are said to be lining up a loan move for the 6 foot 3 ace following his hugely successful stint at Selhurst Park back in 2017/18.
Loftus-Cheek earned himself a place in Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad on the back of his previous spell with the Eagles and with the next tournament kicking off in November, he may be tempted to try the same trick again.
What has Taylor said about Loftus-Cheek?
Taylor admitted that he has ‘not heard anything’ regarding Loftus-Cheek’s potential switch across the capital but does reckon it could be logical move for Palace to make.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I have not heard anything, unfortunately.
“But why not? If he becomes available and Palace are looking to sign a player of that sort of mould, then it's a deal that makes sense. He had a great loan spell there in the 2017/18 season.”
Would Loftus-Cheek be a good signing?
Loftus-Cheek made 40 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last time out, registering six goal contributions along the way, yet his underlying numbers were even more impressive, leading to him being labelled "unplayable".
As per FBref, the versatile star ranked in the 99th percentile for complete dribbles and progressive carries, 97th for shot-creating actions, 90th for touches in the attacking penalty area, 89th for aerial duels won, and 85th for expected assists amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Patrick Vieira will perhaps still be keen to replace the attacking impetus that Gallagher provided in the middle of the park last season, and Loftus-Cheek could be the ideal candidate to do exactly that.