Loftus-Cheek considering Milan exit to boost England World Cup chances

Reports in Italy claim that Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is considering the possibility of a move away from San Siro during the January transfer window to boost his chances of being selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. 

The former Chelsea midfielder has been a valuable role player under Massimiliano Allegri this season, featuring in a number of different roles including a brief stint in the attacking line of a 3-5-2 in the absence of Rafael Leao earlier this season. 

But, despite being called up to the England national team squad in October, Loftus-Cheek has struggled for opportunities as a starter in Milan following the signings of Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Samuele Ricci over the summer. 

The Englishman started all of Milan’s first three league matches of the season, but has only started one of their 11 league games since then. 

With Milan not involved in European competition this season, and having also been knocked out of the Coppa Italia, Serie A is currently Loftus-Cheek’s only chance of minutes in the Milan line-up. 

Now, according to reports from Calciomercato.com, Loftus-Cheek is considering the possibility of leaving Milan in January in order to increase his game time ahead of the World Cup in the summer. 

There have been suggestions that Napoli could be poised to offer a temporary solution, given that they are in the midst of a midfield injury crisis with Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour all currently unavailable. 

There had been reports over the summer that Lazio were also interested, but it remains to be seen whether they will make an approach during the winter window. 

Calciomercato claims that there have also been enquiries from a number of unspecified Premier League clubs, and that there could also be potential opportunities for Loftus-Cheek in the Bundesliga.