Roy Hodgson has confirmed Crystal Palace will be prepared to make Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s stay at Selhurst Park a permanent one should Chelsea opt to sell the midfielder.

Loftus-Cheek’s future at his parent club is likely to come under the microscope following Chelsea’s £15million signing of Ross Barkley, adding to an already well-stocked midfield.

The 21-year-old Loftus-Cheek has made the most of a guaranteed regular place in the Palace side and has emerged as one of the Eagles’ most consistent players during their fine run of form over recent months.

And should the opportunity present itself Hodgson would be desperate to extend Loftus-Cheek’s spell in south London.

“He's a player we'd like to have at our club, there's no doubt about that,” Hodgson said.

“Ruben's a player we like very much. We're very impressed with him, delighted with the way he's developed as a player during the time he's been here. I'm pretty sure that if he's ever available for sale, we would certainly be in there with our hand up as one of the potential buyers.

“It could well be that Chelsea would like to have both Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in their team. I wouldn't mind both in my team, anyway.

“I didn't know until this morning that Ross Barkley is possibly signing for Chelsea.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has already confirmed earlier this month that Loftus-Cheek will not be recalled from his loan but labelled the midfielder and fellow loanee Tammy Abraham the future of the club.