Toon’s bid for Loftus-Cheek a non-starter
CHELSEA were “never” going to allow Newcastle United summer target Ruben Loftus-Cheek to join another Premier League club during the recent transfer window.
That is the view of Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who insists the Eagles made it clear to the Blues they wanted to re-sign the England midfielder on loan - but were given “no indication” by Chelsea Loftus-Cheek would be made available.
Early in the window, Rafa Benitez expressed an interest in LoftusCheek to former club Chelsea after the 22-year-old hinted he was open to leaving Stamford Bridge in search of first-team football.
Once United re-signed Kenedy on loan from the Blues, Newcastle knew they would only be able to prise Loftus-Cheek away from west London in a permanent deal - but the Magpies would have needed to pay in excess of £25m to sign the World Cup midfielder.
Interestingly, however, Palace co-owner Parish claims LoftusCheek was never likely to leave Chelsea this summer – particularly on loan – and certainly not to join another Premier League club.
“Not at all, no, it was never a possibility,” Parish replied when asked whether the Eagles came close to re-signing Loftus-Cheek during a controversial appearance on BBC Five Live’s Sportsweek, in which he also discussed Mike Ashley’s ownership of Newcastle and debated with MP Chi Onwurah.
“Chelsea never gave any indication to us or anyone they would let him go out, certainly not to a Premier League club again.
“He is a real talent and we did not hide our light under a bushel, we were very straightforward and said we would like him.
“We like him as a person, he fitted in really well and he really enjoyed his time with us.”