Fulham secure services of injury-hit Chelsea midfielder

 

Fulham secured the arrival of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek just in time before Monday's transfer deadline. 

 

The England international had been linked with a move away from the Blues as he sought regular game time following his return to fitness. 

 

Loftus-Cheek has started just three league matches since the start of the 2019/20 season, but did feature from the off in the opening weekend win over Brighton. 

 

However, the 24-year-old wasn't included in any of the subsequent three matchdays squads for meetings with Liverpool, West Brom and Crystal Palace. 

 

Aston Villa had been linked with a move for Loftus-Cheek, but instead elected to move for Ross Barkley, who scored on his debut in their 7-2 win over Liverpool. 

 

Fulham secure services of injury-hit Chelsea midfielder

 

Loftus-Cheek has been out on loan from Chelsea in the past, impressing during a season-long stint with Crystal Palace in the 2017/18 season. 

 

Fulham, who have taken the midfielder on loan for the remainder of the campaign, will be hoping he can make a similar impact at Craven Cottage as Scott Parker's side seek to improve on a dire start to the campaign having lost their opening four league matches.