Report: Villa keen to sign 25-year-old PL midfielder, face competition from Everton – originally posted on Sportslens.com
A host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer.
Thomas Tuchel wants to strengthen his side with at least four to five new players. The European champions are reportedly looking to sign a striker, a centre-back, a centre midfield and a wing-back.
The Blues manager is set to offload a number of fringe players, with as many as 11-13 players could leave the club.
The likes of Tammy Abraham, Emerson, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud are almost certain to leave, while doubts remain over the long-term future of Christian Pulisic as well.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Loftus-Cheek could be sold in the summer.
The 25-year-old midfielder has a contract at the club till 2024. The report says that another loan move is “not on the cards” for the powerful midfielder.
Tuchel wants to offload him permanently as he doesn’t fancy him at all.
The likes of Aston Villa, Southampton, and Everton have shown interest in him but the 25-year-old is on high wages.
Loftus-Cheek spent the previous season on loan at Fulham where he made 31 appearances for the club.
Once again, Aston Villa’s summer transfer window could largely depend on whether Jack Grealish would stay at the club.
Everton need to sign an experienced Premier League midfielder, but above all, the Toffees first need to sign a manager following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
Southampton are also interested in Loftus-Cheek, and it will be interesting to see whether either of these clubs come up with a solid offer for him this summer.