Everton eye Chelsea midfielder transfer after injury blows to Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph

Everton have registered their interest in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The 25-year-old has played 20 games for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season - but has struggled to solidify a starting place at Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Mail have suggested that the Toffees are desperate for a midfielder following the confirmed injuries to Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph, who are expected to miss at least four weeks.

Italian side Juventus were also eyeing up a loan deal for the Englishman to replace Brazilian Arthur before his loan move to Arsenal hit a stumbling block.

Why has Loftus-Cheek’s time at Chelsea not worked?

The midfielder came through the Blues’ youth academy and made his debut in December 2014 at just 18 years old under Jose Mourinho.

Since then, he’s only gone on to make a further 101 appearances, spanning across 4,437 minutes, equalling only 43 minutes per game.

Chelsea’s recent success since 2014 – two Premier League titles, one FA Cup & League Cup and a Champions League and Europa League – has seen them purchase a wide range of world-class midfielders including Jorginho and N’golo Kante, with Mason Mount becoming one of their most valuable players.

Loftus-Cheek impressed on loan at Crystal Palace in the 2017/18 season but struggled to replicate his form from Selhurst Park at Fulham last season as they were relegated.

How likely are Everton to sign the player?

It’s worth noting that the Daily Mail’s report does suggest that Chelsea boss Tuchel is keen to keep him at the club and have him amongst his playing squad.

However, with the unfortunate news about Doucoure and Delph, it’s expected that the Toffees delve into the transfer market in the remaining days to secure a midfielder.

We’ve reported previously that Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli was on their radar, meaning it seems the club are on the hunt to secure a midfielder who is capable of sitting behind the striker as a number 10.