Newcastle transfer news: Loftus-Cheek in line to leave Chelsea this summer

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek will reportedly be a transfer target for Newcastle United this summer, and it looks like he could be sold by Chelsea.

Loftus-Cheek was linked with a move to Newcastle in January, but a switch to St James’ Park failed to materialise for the England international.

However, it looks like he might still on the Magpies’ radar when the current season comes to an end. It has been claimed by Give Me Sport that the 27-year-old is going to be a ‘serious target‘ for Eddie Howe’s side this summer.

And Newcastle could be in luck, as a new report from the Athletic suggests that RLC could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea could sell Ruben Loftus-Cheek

According to the Athletic, Loftus-Cheek is one of the first players who Chelsea could sell when the summer transfer window opens.

The report states that any Chelsea player who will have just 12 months to run on their contract is at risk of being sold. The Athletic write that if there is no chance of a contract extension then the Blues will ‘do their utmost’ to sell them.

Loftus-Cheek falls into that category, with his Chelsea contract expiring in 2024. So do Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic, who have been both been linked with moves to the North East.

Newcastle move would be a surprise this summer

Talk of Chelsea selling Loftus-Cheek could be of interest to Newcastle, but it would be a major surprise to see him join Eddie Howe’s squad.

A move in January would have made sense, with the Magpies slightly desperate for a midfielder to fill the void left by Jonjo Shelvey.

Newcastle will still be looking to fill that void this summer, but will surely be targeting bigger names than Loftus-Cheek, with all due respect to the former Crystal Palace loanee.

He is a talented footballer, but has struggled for consistency in a Chelsea shirt. That will be a concern to the Toon decision makers, who could be looking for players who are good enough to compete in Europe.

Chelsea will argue that Loftus-Cheek is exactly that given his current role in West London, but if he is so good then they will keep him.

Considering all of the midfielders who Newcastle have been linked with, it would come as a real shock if we see Loftus-Cheek holding up a black and white scarf ahead of next season.