Bundesliga side eyeing late move for Chelsea midfielder

The transfer window has shut in England but remains open for clubs elsewhere in Europe, with Schalke looking to take advantage by snatching a midfielder from the clutches of Chelsea.

The Telegraph reports that the Bundesliga side are keen on snatching the services of Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan until the end of the season, although it is added that it is unlikely that Chelsea will approve the departure.

22-year-old Loftus-Cheek starred on loan with Crystal Palace last season and forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, attracting the interest of a number of sides across Europe in the process.

He did not feature in Saturday’s victory over Huddersfield Town but despite that remains a part of Maurizio Sarri’s plans at Stamford Bridge, with the departure of Tiemoue Bakayoko to AC Milan opening up a spot within the squad.

It’s a highly competitive position though and the recent captures of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic have added to the depth.