Crystal Palace are poised to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season long loan in the “next 24 hours,” according to SkySports.com.
Blues manager Antonio Conte wants Loftus-Cheek to gain much needed first team experience away from Stamford Bridge after making just 11 appearances for Chelsea last season.
Palace had to fight off competition from the likes of newly promoted Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Southampton for the midfielder’s signature. It will be new Eagles boss Frank De Boer’s first summer signing.
Loftus-Cheek could be followed out the door by fellow midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah. The Evening Standard reported at the end of last week that Watford are confident of signing the 22 year old in a £5m deal.
Chalobah spent a season on loan at Vicarage Road during the 2012/13 season, and the Hornets are said to be confident that the player is keen on a permanent return to the Premier League side this summer.
