Ruben still a Blue

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK has been assured by Chelsea he still has a future at the club despite their £15million signing of Ross Barkley from Everton.

Loftus-Cheek is currently on a season-long loan with Crystal Palace but was told in advance by Chelsea that they were going to bring in Barkley, and that it would not affect his long-term position at Stamford Bridge.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson said last week he’d be interested in signing the 21-year-old midfielder on a permanent basis, but the player has no plans to leave Chelsea. NEWCASTLE are investigating allegations of bullying against Under 23s boss Peter Beardsley, a club legend.

The club have scheduled a grievance meeting on Thursday after a complaint was made by winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.

The 22-year-old will be supported by statements from some of his team-mates.

El-Mhanni has made two FA Cup appearances since joining in 2016 and it is alleged his unfair treatment began within months of his arrival.