Chelsea: 'World-class' star now 'almost certain' to stay at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is almost certain to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The England international has been linked with a loan exit this window, but Phillips reckons his versatility will earn him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Chelsea might have an array of midfield options, but Loftus-Cheek has still featured heavily under Tuchel.

Having been on loan at Fulham, where he was described as ‘world-class‘ by owner Tony Khan, when the German manager replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021, he returned to the Blues in hope of becoming part of Tuchel’s plans.

Loftus-Cheek did exactly that, registering one goal and five assists in his 40 appearances and established himself as a regular starter by the end of last season.

The majority of his outings came in the middle, but the 26-year-old was deployed in a right wing-back role against Tottenham last weekend, which was perhaps a slight surprise, but a position he’s played previously under Tuchel.

Having come off the bench eight days earlier at Everton, Loftus-Cheek has featured heavily in the early weeks of the season, and Phillips is “99 per cent” sure he’ll still be a Chelsea player after 1 September despite Crystal Palace showing an interest in a loan deal before the season got underway.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Ruben has never wanted to leave, he’s always wanted to stay at Chelsea and the fact he’s been operating in two or three positions I think only helps him and I’m 99 per cent sure he’ll stay this window.”

It’s been more than three years since Loftus-Cheek put pen to paper and was rewarded with a new deal.

Therefore, heading into this season, he has less than two years remaining on his current £60,000