Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have both been credited with interest in the 21-year-old, but Crystal Palace are the new frontrunners.

Crystal Palace are the new favourites to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek with bookmaker Sky Bet.

Linked clubs Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion previously topped the list of likely destinations but, almost out of nowhere, Palace have climbed above both to become 3/1 frontrunners for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus Cheek

Loftus-Cheek’s Chelsea future could be in doubt if Tiemoue Bakayoko arrives at Stamford Bridge, though it remains to be seen whether the England Under-21 star would be available.

The Sun reports that Newcastle and Brighton, Crystal Palace’s fierce rivals, are keen to secure Loftus-Cheek’s services on long for the season.

Nevertheless, The Chronicle reports that Newcastle are not looking to lend any central midfield players, despite being open to loan moves in other areas and wanting to strengthen in that particular department.

According to The London Evening Standard, another Chelsea youngster, Izzy Brown, is set to be loaned to Brighton this week, and the Seagulls would not be able to borrow a second Blues player, meaning a move to Crystal Palace could be a very real possibility for Loftus-Cheek.

Chelsea’s Izzy Brown on loan to Huddersfield Town

Top contenders:

Crystal Palace – 3/1

Brighton – 5/1

Newcastle – 6/1

Watford – 7/1

In other news, Report: Wolves and Leeds targets transfer listed, Bielsa’s side has bid £4m