Chelsea set to loan out Loftus-Cheek despite Barkley's exit

The 24-year-old's options, however, may be limited.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to leave Chelsea on loan before the end of the current transfer window, according to Matt Law of The Telegraph.

The news comes after Ross Barkley joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan on Wednesday.

Loftus-Cheek's options, however, may be limited due to his £150,000 weekly wages and his injury record.

The Villans also had an interest in Ruben but their manager Dean Smith prioritised Barkley.

Fulham are keen on the 24-year-old but his move to Craven Cottage depends on whether Chelsea's London rivals spend big on defenders before the transfer deadline.