According to The Sun, West Ham United are showing interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The England international has impressed when given the chance this season, and the Blues could be on the verge of losing the talented midfielder next month with the Hammers eager to make a move.
It is believed that Manuel Pellegrini’s men are willing to agree a six-month loan deal for Loftus-Cheek, with an option to sign him up on a permanent basis next summer.
But is he really a good fit for the Irons?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Player profile
It has been a spectacular year for Loftus-Cheek, as he managed to make a big impression with Crystal Palace in the first half of the year before forcing his way into the England national team for their World Cup campaign in the summer.
He has looked like a busy player this season, notably scoring three goals in just six Premier League appearances.
It goes without saying that the 22-year-old is an excellent all-round midfielder, who, despite being recognised as a central midfielder, can drive forward to provide the attacking impetus.
And it is his excellence in the final third that makes Loftus-Cheek a quality midfielder as he Cheek averaged over one attempt as well as one key pass per game last season, which is a fairly impressive tally for any Palace midfielder.
Additionally, Loftus-Cheek is a versatile midfielder, who has played in several roles during his career so far, although central midfield still remains his strongest position.
The 22-year old is good on the ball too and mustered a respectable passing accuracy of 82% last season.
Why Loftus-Cheek would be a good addition to West Ham United
West Ham United are in dire need of midfield reinforcements in January, with most of their current crop of midfielders struggling with injuries this season.
Signing Loftus-Cheek, in that regard, makes perfect sense as the 22-year-old is an athletic, all-round midfielder who can provide a little more urgency to the midfield which certainly lacks pace and dynamism despite boasting tremendous quality and potential.
Loftus-Cheek is only 22 years old at the moment, meaning he could definitely turn into a long-term asset for the Hammers if they manage to sign him on a permanent deal.
But for the time being, Loftus-Cheek’s addition to the club will undoubtedly boost the quality of the Hammers side as Pellegrini looks to make a push for the Europa League spot.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
