“Fantastic addition”: Premier League manager keen to sign Chelsea loanee on a permanent basis

Fulham keen to sign Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek permanently

According to Metro, Fulham boss Scott Parker is keen on signing Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a permanent deal, after his loan spell expires at the end of the season. Parker is said to be ‘more than happy’ at the prospect of a permanent transfer next season.

The versatile midfielder is currently at Fulham on a season-long loan. So far he has made 22 appearances, scoring one goal. The youngster looked to be on the track of making it at Stamford Bridge under Maurizio Sarri.

However, an unfortunate injury suffered in a charity match saw him on the sidelines for 13 months. Loftus-Cheek struggled to reach the same levels since his return.

Fulham have undertaken a daunting mission of avoiding relegation this season. Their recent form suggests that they have done well to secure results. Currently, they are 18th and 3 points away from safety below Newcastle.

Loftus-Cheek has ambitions to return to Chelsea but Parker thinks he can convince the midfielder to change his mind and stay at Craven Cottage instead.

“Yes, of course. Ruben has been a fantastic addition. I’ve seen someone grow immensely from the start of the season to a person and player now who has transformed. He’s grown massively and been a massive help for us. At the moment it’s just about this year for Ruben, focus on the next 10 games and where he can still get better. But at the end if there’s an opportunity to get it done I’d be more than happy to.”

It does seem like the better option for Loftus Cheek at this point to stay back at Fulham at the end of his loan deal. Chelsea already have a stacked midfield with the likes of Jorginho, Kante and Kovacic. Even young Billy Gilmour has warmed the benches. Now with Tuchel in charge, there is bound to be new signings at the end of the season.

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At Fulham, he will get more game time and can keep developing his skills. Returning to Chelsea could hamper that and he might have to settle for a place on the bench. It remains to be seen what Chelsea decide for him at the end of his loan spell.