Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said he is yet to make a decision about his Chelsea future.
Midfielder Loftus-Cheek, on loan at Crystal Palace, produced an impressive performance in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Brighton at Selhurst Park.
The win eased Palace’s relegation fears, with Loftus-Cheek assured in only his fourth appearance of 2018.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson backed the 22-year-old to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, and there are suggestions that he would like to sign Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea on a permanent basis.
“I really haven’t thought about what’s going to happen next season,” Loftus-Cheek said. “I’ve still got a few games now. I’m focused with Palace.
“Whatever happens next season, I’m not really looking at that right now. I’ll deal with that when it comes.”
Loftus-Cheek said he was relishing a more significant role with Palace after spending three years on the fringes of the Chelsea first team.
“The experience of being a Premier League player playing every week is just massive,” he added.
“The feeling of it, of getting three points, I’m just not used to it. Every game means something, the supporters are fantastic and since I’ve come to Palace I’ve learnt to fight as a team and for the three points.
“We still have a lot of fighting to do, so I’m very grateful for Palace and for the season I’ve had.”
England boss Southgate is an admirer of Loftus-Cheek, who was named man of the match on his international debut in November’s friendly against Germany at Wembley.
Injuries have curtailed the midfielder’s progress since then, but he has not given up hope of going to Russia.
Asked whether he was still targeting a World Cup place, Loftus-Cheek said: “Yes — fitness is a big thing.
“I’m starting to feel improvements now. The first 90 [minutes back from injury] was the hardest so I’ll keep it going and try and get as fit as I can and as sharp as I can.”
Liam is ESPN FC’s Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Liam_Twomey.
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