Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he is desperate to bring Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek back to Selhurst Park on loan for the 2018/19 season.
Loftus-Cheek played an integral part in Palace's team as they survived relegation from the Premier League last term and his impressive form during his loan spell with the Eagles earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the summer's World Cup in Russia.
The 22-year-old has since returned to pre-season training with Chelsea but his future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear after Maurizio Sarri replaced Antonio Conte as Blues manager. The signing of Jorginho from Napoli ensures Loftus-Cheek has been pushed further down the pecking order as far as the centre of Chelsea's midfield is concerned.
According to The Times, the midfielder has acknowledged that he may have to spend another season on loan away from Chelsea if he is to play regular first team football and continue his development in the Premier League.
With that in mind, Roy Hodgson told Jim White during his Talksport radio show that he would be keen on bringing the player back to Selhurst Park for the new season.
We’d love to have him back. There is no question about that but that is something which is totally and utterly in Chelsea’s hands.
If he was available on loan I am pretty sure we would be knocking their door down to get him.
Loftus-Cheek made 24 league appearances for Palace last term, scoring two goals and laying on four assists.
