Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks set to be sent out on loan next season to satisfy the Chelsea starlet’s aim for first-team football.

The 21-year-old is attracting interest from several Premier League sides including Stoke, who looked at him in January. Championship promotion chasers Brighton are also an option.

He is understood to be on north of £50,000 a week at Chelsea and Loftus-Cheek would have to consider a pay-cut if sold permanently, leaving a loan the likeliest option.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has enjoyed a successful week with the England Under 21s

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is an admirer of the 21-year-old's talent

Likewise the west London club would not want to sell a young talent they have high hopes for.

Loftus-Cheek trains with the Chelsea first team at their Cobham HQ and would rather stay in the Premier League than drop down to the Championship if sent out on loan.

The England Under-21 star made a rare appearance under Antonio Conte before the international break at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke. He was brought on as an 82nd-minute substitute.

Chelsea have not had to compete in Europe this season and their diminished fixture list also contributed to Loftus-Cheek’s lack of appearances.

Conte is an admirer and the club will assess what they think is best for the England prospect at the end of the season.

Loftus-Cheek is determined to earn more first-team opportunities next season