According to the Evening Standard, Stoke City have joined West Ham United in a bid to try and sign young Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan in the January transfer window. It had been confirmed earlier this week, by Standard Sport, that Chelsea were open to letting the 20 year old go on loan in order to get game time.
Stoke City seems to be an ideal location for any loan as Mark Hughes’ side aren’t a direct rival, and because of their previous history with one another. Mark Hughes has taken on Victor Moses, a breakout star, and Marco van Ginkel out on loan in past seasons to great affect for both clubs.
Loftus-Cheek would also have a great chance to play alongside some very good players at Stoke, and he would likely return to Chelsea ready to play a bigger role in the next season.
The likelihood of this rumor happening is very high. West Ham are in desperate need of help, but their situation calls for more experienced bodies. Stoke are in a position where Hughes can bring Loftus-Cheek in and play him whenever he possibly can and shield him when he’s in danger as he has the options to do so. As such, expect him to be signing with Stoke for the next few months.
