Crystal Palace must swoop again for Ruben Loftus-Cheek in January

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek has played an embarrassing total of just 33 Premier League minutes for Chelsea this season, suggesting the Blues’ lack of focus on the England international’s development.

Loftus-Cheek, who starred this summer in Russia for the Three Lions, has now fallen out of the England set-up and must seek a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge in order to further his career.

Crystal Palace should make a bid for the 22-year-old in January and reunite Loftus-Cheek with Roy Hodgson, and the Palace manager recently praised the midfielder when speaking with Sky Sports on Friday.

“When the day comes when he becomes available for transfer we will be sticking our nose into that,” Hodgson said, indicating the Eagles’ continued interest in Loftus-Cheek.

The Chelsea player enjoyed an impressive 2017/18 campaign on loan at Selhurst Park, performing admirably for Palace and playing a large part in the club’s late revival that eventually steered them to an 11th-placed finish.

The south London club would do well to make an improved, permanent bid for Loftus-Cheek, as he would add superb steel and craft to the Palace midfield while gaining vital first-team minutes.