AC Milan want to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea.
The Italian giants, beaten Champions League semi-finalists this week, are looking to evolve their squad further following their failure in Europe. Loftus-Cheek, 27, will have just a year left at Chelsea after this season and is seen by a string of clubs as representing a bargain at a cut-price deal. But his £150,000-a-week wages could represent a stumbling block.
Loftus-Cheek is set for the exit door after nearly two decades joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight. He has enjoyed regular first-team football this season with 20 starts and 10 substitute appearances in all competitions.
But the England international is among a number of players at Stamford Bridge set to be moved on when Mauricio Pochettino finally takes over from Frank Lampard in June.
Loftus-Cheek is also seen as a priority for Milan with Stefano Pioli’s side struggling to make the top four in Serie A. One of Milan’s own midfielder stars, Ismael Bennacer, has been ruled out for six months by a serious knee injury, having undergone surgery this week.
Should Loftus Cheek leave Chelsea for Milan, he would follow defender Fikayo Tomori who lifted the Scudetto with the Italian giants last season. Also Tammy Abraham who clinched the Europa Conference League with Roma last season.
By Darren Lewis
Lucas to depart Spurs
Tottenham have confirmed they are allowing Lucas Moura to leave on a free transfer.
Brazil international Moura will leave the club this summer after etching his name into club folklore as their hero of one of their best ever European nights.
Moura, 30, scored a hat trick as Spurs staged an incredible fightback at Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi final - but, incredibly, did not make the starting line-up for the final which Tottenham lost to Liverpool.
Ex-Paris Saint Germain star Moura has become a bit-part player this season and Spurs are letting him go as they said they will confirm their list of released players.
The club said: “We can confirm that Lucas Moura is to leave the Club at the end of the season following the conclusion of his contract. We should like to thank Lucas for his tremendous service to our Club and wish him the very best for the future.”
By John Cross
Villa fail in luring Barca chief
Unai Emery has confirmed Aston Villa have failed to lure Barcelona's director of football Mateu Alemany who is now expected to stay with the La Liga giants.
Emery told the press today: "It was two weeks ago we were talking about the possibility of him leaving.
"I know him, I sometimes meet with him.
"But Mateu Alemany is going to stay in Barcelona. He is in Barcelona and he's going to continue there.
"We were speaking about the possibility but he is going to continue."
By James Nursey
Monk eyes Reading vacancy
Former Leeds, Swansea and Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk is interested in the vacant Reading manager’s job.
Monk has been out of work since departing from Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020.
Reading chiefs are still deciding upon a full-time replacement for Paul Ince following the side’s relegation to League One.
By Darren Witcoop
