As Chelsea prepare to let some of their youngsters leave on loan for first team actions, Southampton is hoping to sign the Blues young midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek temporarily for the next one year.
The England youth international is currently the most highly rated academy product at Stamford Bridge. Despite his standing, Blues managers from Jose Mourinho to Antonio Conte has failed to give him first team responsibilities.
The midfielder has made it clear to Conte that he wants to be trusted with first-team opportunities next season. The Italian cannot guarantee that and as such has given the go-ahead for Loftus-Cheek to join another team temporarily.
Newcastle, Brighton, and Southampton are the three most interested suitors he currently has. But the Saints appear to be in pole position to land him, as they believe Loftus-Cheek would be excited to work with their new manager, Mauricio Pellegrino.
The Blues are also set to allow Nathaniel Chalobah to leave on a temporary basis to aid his development. The midfielder played a little part in Chelsea’s title triumph last season.