Maurizio Sarri confident of Ruben Loftus-Cheek stay

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has insisted that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to stay at the club beyond the end of the European transfer window on August 31.

The England international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge due to concerns over his playing time, having been left out of the squad entirely for last Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal.

Clubs from Germany, Italy and Spain are understood to be monitoring Loftus-Cheek's situation, but Sarri is confident that the midfielder will stay until at least January.

"It was only a decision about the positions I chose to put on the bench to win," Sarri told reporters when questioned on Loftus-Cheek's omission against Arsenal.

"I have spoken with him twice this week, after I spoke to the club, so I think that Loftus-Cheek will remain with us. We can speak again about his situation, but only in December."

Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he scored two goals in 25 appearances.