Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek hoping for loan move amid frustration at lack of first-team opportunities
The 19-year-old has played just 62 minutes of league football this season
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek is disillusioned with the amount of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge and is actively exploring potential loan moves, according to reports.
The 19-year-old has only played 62 minutes of league football so far this term, on top of single appearances in the Champions League and Capital One Cup.
According to a report by The Times, Loftus-Cheek expected to make significant inroads into Chelsea’s first-team this season and, following last month’s league defeat to Southampton, was promised a lengthy run in the side by manager Jose Mourinho.
However, the midfielder has not appeared for the club’s first-team since playing the opening 45 minutes against Aston Villa on 17 October.
As Chelsea’s disastrous start to the season stretches into the winter months, pressure is building on Mourinho to turn the club’s form around and Loftus-Cheek is reportedly aware that regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge is less likely as a result.
Loftus-Cheek, who is currently on international duty with England Under-21s, is now attracting interest from Premier League, SkyBet Championship and European clubs and hopes to move on a temporary basis when the transfer window reopens in January.
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Mourinho has taken a firm line with Loftus-Cheek in the past and was publicly critical of the youngster after his appearance in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
“I think he has to look to the intensity and the defensive tactical work that people like Ramires, (Cesc) Fabregas did and he didn't,” Mourinho said following the victory.
“He has to try to compare himself with others and understand why I didn't keep him in the game for 90 minutes.”
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