West Ham have been given the chance to sign AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of the next transfer window, according to TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The journalist claims sources close to the player have said that “his name has been circulated” to several Premier League clubs, including the Hammers.

Loftus-Cheek moved to Italy from Chelsea for £15m last year, and he has played regularly since making the switch to the San Siro, but head coach Paulo Fonseca is not believed to be a fan, despite starting him in 6 of the club’s 9 matches this season.

Crook suggests that the 28-year-old could make a return to the Premier League in January.

A swap deal involving Loftus-Cheek has been considered

This is not the first time that the England international has been linked with the London Stadium over the past few days.

Reports in the Italian media have claimed that Loftus-Cheek could be offered in exchange for Edson Alvarez. However, it is hard to see West Ham accepting a straight swap deal, considering the value of the two players.

The Irons paid Ajax £35m for Alvarez at the start of last season. With that being the case, it’s unlikely that an exchange would be considered.

Do West Ham need another midfielder?

After bringing in Carlos Soler on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day in August, head coach Julen Lopetegui is not short of options in the middle of the park.

In addition to Soler, he can call upon the likes of Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez, Tomas Soucek, Andy Irving and Lucas Paqueta.

However, there is an argument to say that Loftus-Cheek would offer something different. He is a ball carrier with good technical skills. A lot would probably depend on Milan’s willingness to let him go for a low price.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here