RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK has emerged as a loan target for Southampton this summer.
Saints were keen on the England midfielder a year ago but lost out when Fulham borrowed him from Chelsea.
Loftus-Cheek, 25, has struggled for form with the Cottagers, scoring just once and registering no assists as Scott Parker’s side were relegated.
Yet Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl remains a fan and is confident he can bring the best out of RLC should he land him in the close season.
The Austrian even namechecked Loftus-Cheek ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Fulham when discussing the talent at Parker’s disposal.
Just last month Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had seemingly offered Loftus-Cheek hope of a long-term future at Stamford Bridge – with a glowing tribute.
And he even compared the ten-cap star to all-time great Germany hero Michael Ballack.
Tuchel said of RLC: “I was quite a fan of him when he was younger.
“He reminded me of Michael Ballack. There were links with him moving to Germany. We are well aware of his talent.
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“I don’t know why things have not worked out as he wished but now he is doing good.
“I cannot judge him from TV and hearsay. I love to work with players then to give my opinion.”
But as well as big-money Blues’ buys, fellow academy products like Mason Mount, 22, and 19-year-old Billy Gilmour are now well ahead of Loftus-Cheek in a congested battle for midfield spots.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
