West Ham United are in the hunt for Chelsea and England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claim on page 52 of Tuesday’s print edition that Crystal Palace’s bid to land the 22-year-old enforcer may become impossible following his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
The Sun report that Loftus-Cheek’s value may soar to £40million by July if he has a good tournament, with Everton and Newcastle also named in the race for his signature.
It is said that the 6ft 3in ace [Transfermarkt] will not make a decision on his future until he knows who will be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.
Good move for West Ham?
100%.
Loftus-Cheek was fantastic for the Eagles all season, and it is quite clear that he is set to become one of England’s best midfielders in the coming years.
The 22-year-old has always been undervalued at Chelsea, with the Blues failing to utilise his massive talent, and West Ham could be a perfect place for him to accelerate his development.
Pellegrini would be able to get the best out of him should he come, and a swoop makes perfect sense for the Hammers as they seek reinforcements in central midfield.
Forever West Ham rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
The Sun claim that a good World Cup could see Loftus-Cheek cost £40million, which would seemingly put the Hammers out of contention.
There is no way that Pellegrini would want to drop that amount of money on a young player like him, and the club will no doubt move on to other targets.
However, there still remains the possibility that Loftus-Cheek will remain affordable this summer, with another loan spell potentially on the cards, and that would open the door for the Hammers to swoop.
Forever West Ham rating: 2/10
