Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has denied speculation that he is poised to come out as the Premier League's first openly gay player.

According to rumours circulating on social media yesterday, the 22-year-old was reported to have come out to his Blues teammates ahead of a public reveal of his sexuality.

Loftus-Cheek responded on Twitter today, saying that the "rumour isn't true" while pledging "full support and respect" for any future player to come out.

Any player who came out as gay, they'd have my full support and respect 👊🏾. But the rumour isn't true 😅

— Ruben Loftus-Cheek (@rubey_lcheek) January 16, 2019

The England international is currently on the sidelines with a back injury and could be out until next season if it is determined that he requires surgery.

Prior to his injury, Loftus-Cheek had made nine top-flight appearances for Maurizio Sarri's side this term, contributing three goals, as well as three goals in five Europa League appearances.