Three Premier League clubs battling to sign Chelsea academy graduate on loan

Aston Villa, Southampton and West Ham keen on Ruben Loftus-Cheek

According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are pushing to sign Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan, but will have to battle Southampton and West Ham United.

A product of the Blues’ youth academy, Loftus-Cheek has shown plenty of promise in his fledgling career so far. The midfielder has racked up 82 senior appearances for the club till date, scoring 12 goals in the process.

However, injuries meant he hardly featured last season. And following the recruitment of Kai Havertz this summer, the England international’s chances are likely to take a further hit this campaign.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has not been part of the matchday squad for the last three games, after having started the season opener against Brighton.

And his situation has put a number of Premier League clubs on alert. Aston Villa are keen to bolster their midfield, as confirmed by manager Dean Smith. And Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a viable target for a season-long loan deal. (h/t Daily Mail)

However, the Villans will have to contend with competition from Southampton, as well as Chelsea’s London rivals West Ham United. (h/t Daily Mail)

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea believe they can sign Declan Rice for cheap before October 5
• Inter Milan not keen on signing N’Golo Kante
• Frank Lampard blames Alonso and Silva for the first half fiasco at West Brom

Given the number of options that manager Frank Lampard has in midfield, there is a good chance that Loftus-Cheek could be allowed to leave on loan.

It would serve the 24-year-old well, too, as he would be gathering valuable experience rather than warming the bench at the Bridge.

So, it remains to be seen where the 10-time capped English international ends up before the transfer window shuts in a week.