Chelsea are likely to reject Newcastle’s loan bid for Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the club are holding out for a Premier League move
Championship side Newcastle are waiting to hear back from Chelsea and Antonio Conte about their loan bid made for Blues youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, according to Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live, the London club are set to reject the offer as they want the Englishman to ply his trade in England’s top-flight.
Being a Premier League mainstay for the last decade, it came as a shock to most Toon fans when they saw their team succumb to the relegation devil. A disappointing campaign saw them part ways with manager Steve McClaren and former Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez was tasked to keep them in the top flight.
However, the Spaniard failed in his endeavours, and descended the English ladder to play in the country’s second-tier league. The quality and drive is still present in the Newcastle side, who are in pole position to secure promotion at the end of the season.
In their quest to return to the Premier League, they have eyes on Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a temporary option in the January window. Benitez is willing to sign the 20-year-old on loan, but Chelsea are reluctant to let him go to a non-Premier League side.
Loftus-Cheek is at a tender age and could benefit with regular playing time even at St. James’ Park. However, Conte is of the opinion that the exposure he will receive in the league will be far greater than the Championship.
The Italian manager is spoiled for choice in the midfield department at Chelsea, due to which Loftus-Cheek has only managed to make one appearance off the bench, and played just eight minutes in that game (stats via WhoScored).
Thus, the 20-year-old is in dire need of a move away from Stamford Bridge to clock regular playing minutes and continue improving as a player. While a move to Newcastle looks unlikely, the Championship side may be considered as a last resort, should the player fail to attract offers from Premier League clubs.
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