West Ham are among a number of clubs interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan, according to reports in the English media.
The 24-year-old was surprisingly omitted from the squad for the Blues’ 6-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and manager Frank Lampard suggested after the game that there could be movement in the transfer market in the coming days.
Supporters on Twitter are not sure what to make of the Hammers’ interest in Loftus-Cheek, with some worried it could have implications for the future of Declan Rice:
Of course Moyes is interested in him, he’s like 6’5 tall
— The Stoned Hammer (@StonedHammer) September 24, 2020
Clearly trying to use him in Rice deal then
— Will Lebeau (@willlebeau18) September 24, 2020
Does he play in defence
— malcolm brown ??????? (@malcolmrbrown53) September 24, 2020
… but he’s not a winger!
— Steve Davis (@RUsureIsaidthat) September 24, 2020
ffs??
— Michael Lyons (@Michael766TN) September 24, 2020
Rice replacement?
— #GSBOUT Gabes?? (@gabeswhu) September 24, 2020
Prefer Ross Bartley
— Ashley Jewell (@AshleyHammer10) September 24, 2020
Is their any of Chelseas fringe squad we haven’t been linked with.
— Fortunes Always Hiding ⚒?️? ⚽️ (@IanDeakin16) September 24, 2020
Loftus-Cheek suffered a serious Achilles injury 16 months ago, which has taken him a long time to recover from. He is highly rated by Lampard, and he even started Chelsea’s first game of the season against Brighton.
However, he did not put in a good performance and was substituted midway through the second half. It is thought a loan move could be considered in order for him to recover his previous form.