Antonio Conte is considering abandoning his plans to sign another central midfield player this summer because of his belief in the potential of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The England Under-21 midfielder is understood to have made a big impression on Conte in training over the past seven days and the club’s new manager is hoping that he will develop into a big part of his first-team squad after being used sparingly by José Mourinho and Guus Hiddink last season.

Loftus-Cheek started Chelsea’s first pre-season fixture against Rapid Vienna last weekend and, if he continues to impress, the 20-year-old could solve a problem for the club. Chelsea’s proposed move for Radja Nainggolan, the Belgium midfielder, has collapsed as a result of Roma’s valuation and the club were still