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Chelsea starlet Ruben Loftus-Cheek is reportedly a target for Everton, West Ham United, Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s place in England’s World Cup squad is just reward for a fine season on loan at Crystal Palace, during which he showed the Premier League exactly why he is rated so highly at parent club Chelsea.

And according to the Sun (29 May, page 52), Loftus-Cheek’s performances at Selhurst Park have at least three other top flight sides keen to strike a similar deal for the 22-year-old midfield powerhouse this summer.

It is understood that the London-born talent wants assurances over his role at Chelsea before he makes a decision on his future. And, should Loftus-Cheek come to the conclusion that he needs to leave the club on a permanent or temporary basis, he will not be short of options.

The Chronicle stated this month that Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is a big fan, having shown an interest last year, too. And the Sun backs this up, claiming that the Magpies are keen on a player who does not want to return to Chelsea to sit on the bench.

The Sun adds that Everton and West Ham United are also keen but, if they want to sign Loftus-Cheek permanently, they should prepare to pay big. The report claims that his price-tag could rise to around £40 million if he impresses for England at the World Cup.

Crystal Palace are understandably keen on Loftus-Cheek but manager Roy Hodgson is allegedly concerned that he could soon be out of their price-range.

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