Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that he wants to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a permanent deal.
Loftus-Cheek, 21, joined Palace on loan ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, and the England international has impressed during his time with the Eagles.
As it stands, the midfielder will return to his parent club Chelsea at the end of the season, but Hodgson has confirmed that he is interested in turning the loan agreement into a permanent transfer.
"The way Ruben's been playing for us, he's a player we'd like to have at our club, there's no doubt about that. But it's far too early to ask me that question," Hodgson told reporters.
"I didn't know until this morning that Ross Barkley is possibly signing for Chelsea but it's only sources close to the television that tell you that; I don't know that he's actually signed the paper, and a contract at the club.
"But 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. But it could well be that Chelsea would like to have both Ross Barkley and Ruben in their team; I wouldn't mind both in my team, anyway!"
Loftus-Cheek has scored once and provided two assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Palace this season.
Matt Law
