Newcastle United could be handed a blow in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been touted as a target for the Magpies this month and a loan offer is believed to have been made to the Blues.
Championship title rivals Brighton and Hove Albion are another said to be keen, though this report suggests the west London titans could look to keep a hold of the England U21 international.
While there is believed to be interest in the powerful midfielder, who has featured just twice under Antonio Conte, Chelsea could reportedly keep a hold of him this month.
It could be a blow for the Toon Army, who desperately need an extra source of creativity in their ranks outside of Jonjo Shelvey.
The England international is currently serving a five-game FA ban and the midfield looks almost entirely bereft of ideas without him.
