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REACTION: Saints leading the way to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan

By Ben King

THUN, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Demarai Gray, Calum Chambers, Matt Targett, Lewis Baker, James Ward-Prowse (1st row L-R) Kortney Hause, Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Pickford, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chuba Akpom, John Swift (2nd row L-R) line up for a team photo before the start of the European Under 21 Qualifier match between Switzerland U21 and England U21 at Stockhorn Arena on March 26, 2016 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)
THUN, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Demarai Gray, Calum Chambers, Matt Targett, Lewis Baker, James Ward-Prowse (1st row L-R) Kortney Hause, Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Pickford, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chuba Akpom, John Swift (2nd row L-R) line up for a team photo before the start of the European Under 21 Qualifier match between Switzerland U21 and England U21 at Stockhorn Arena on March 26, 2016 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images) /
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Southampton have emerged as favourites to land Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan ahead of Newcastle United and Brighton according to The Mirror.

The 21-year-old struggled to rise up the pecking order at Stamford Bridge last season ahead of the likes of N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic.

This coming season is vital for Loftus-Cheek’s progression and a move to St Mary’s could well be the right move for the Englishman.

Loftus-Cheek’s box-to-box style of play may suit the type of midfielder manager Mauricio Pellegrino wants to bring in without having to splash the cash. This along with the core of English players already at the club will help the player settle in quickly.

After joining the champions at just eight-years-old, Loftus-Cheek has progressed through the academy ranks playing a big part in winning the FA Youth Cup, U21 Premier League and UEFA Youth League.

After this success, he would break through into the first team squad but has struggled to maintain consistent game time under Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Antonio Conte.

Loftus-Cheek was set to play at the U21 European Championships with the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond. However, he had to withdraw from the squad due to a back injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Victor Moses (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the EFL Cup second round match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images )
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Victor Moses (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the EFL Cup second round match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images ) /

The player who has been compared to Michael Ballack by former Southampton and England manager Glenn Hoddle could partner Oriol Romeu or Steven Davis offering great energy and deep attacking play to the team.

This would allow Ward-Prowse more freedom and not having to worry about defensive duties as much as he did under former manager Claude Puel.

Loftus-Cheek can also play as a number 10 if need be but his ability as a box-to-box midfielder would be a greater use in the pivot next to a more defensive minded midfielder.

This would be a shrewd signing by Pellegrino and one that could work for all parties involved in a potential deal.