Is this Chelsea star heading to Germany??

Despite a recent surge in form for England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek under Maurizio Sarri, it seems the player might exit the Blues this season as Bundesliga outfit Schalke are said to be preparing an offer to sign the player in January but will face competition from Crystal Palace.

According to The Mirror, both Palace and Schalke will try their luck with bids this January after failing to sign the player over the summer.

All indications point to the fact that Loftus-Cheek will be on the move in January in order to get regular playing time.

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After spending last season on loan at Crystal Palace, Chelsea turned down offers from the Roy Hodgson led team for Loftus-Cheek in the summer as they were keen to integrate him into their first-team squad.

However, the arrival of Mateo Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid and the emergence of Ross Barkley under Maurizio Sarri has made game time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge.

The England international has been forced to settle for minutes in the Europa League and cup competitions, with Premier League chances coming few and far between.

The lanky midfielder impressed on loan at the Selhurst Park last season and Roy Hodgson has never hidden his intention to bring the player back to the club.