Transfer gossip: Loftus-Cheek tipped to reject loan move

Some of the latest transfer speculation involving the area’s clubs…

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is unlikely to leave Chelsea on loan, according to reports.

Schalke want to sign the midfielder for this season and are among a number of European clubs interested in him.

The transfer window in England is closed but it remains open elsewhere in Europe until the end of the month, meaning Premier League players can still be sold or loaned to clubs on the Continent until then.

Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where his performances earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.

He wants to continue playing first-team football this season but faces major competition for a place at Chelsea, who have brought in Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic this summer and have the likes of N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley to choose from.

However, The Guardian believe Loftus-Cheek is set to reject a loan move and is convinced he can establish himself at Chelsea, while the Daily Telegraph say the Blues are unlikely to sanction his departure.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star say Aston Villa are looking to complete a deal to sign Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea and that Wayne Routledge wants to return to QPR from Swansea.

And the Daily Mail say Marcus Bettinelli’s future at Fulham is in doubt after the goalkeeper was axed by boss Slavisa Jokanovic.