Lazio boss reportedly set to move for former Fulham and Palace loanee

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is reportedly top of Maurizio Sarri’s transfer target list if he is appointed the new Lazio manager.

The 62-year-old was sacked by Juventus in August 2020, and now looks set to become the new manager at Stadio Olimpico.

South London-born Loftus-Cheek was on loan at Fulham last season. He made 31 appearances and scored one goal for Scott Parker’s side.

The Mail are reporting that Lazio will ask Chelsea for the player on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season for a pre-agreed fee.

The former Crystal Palace loanee still has three years left on his current contract that is due to end in 2024.

Sarri worked with Loftus-Cheek in his time at Chelsea in the 2018-19 season. He scored 10 goals in 40 games for the Blues as they won the Europa League.

The 25-year-old has made 54 appearances in total for Chelsea and scored seven goals in his seven years at the club.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD