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Maurizio Sarri to block Ruben Loftus-Cheek from exiting Chelsea in January transfer

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31st October 2018, Stamford Bridge, London, England; Carabao Cup football, fourth round, Chelsea versus Derby County; Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea celebrates after Richard Keogh of Derby County scores a second own goal making it 2-1 in minute 21 (photo by Shaun Brooks/Action Plus via Getty Images) — Loftus-Cheek is open to leaving Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Maurizio Sarri will not allow Ruben Loftus-Cheek to leave Chelsea in January, reports say.

The Chelsea midfielder was thought to be angling for a permanent move in the upcoming winter transfer window, after starting just three games this season.

West Ham want to sign Loftus-Cheek as Manuel Pellegrini aims to steer the Hammers away from a relegation battle.

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But the Mirror claim Sarri will block efforts from Loftus-Cheek to exit the club as he feels Chelsea will need the Englishman during the final months of the season.

Loftus-Cheek reminded Sarri of his talents with a hat-trick in the Europa League against BATE Borisov.

The 22-year-old then followed up that performance up with a goal against Burnely in Chelsea next game.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Joe Toth/BPI/REX (9960252c) Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea warms-up Chelsea v Crystal Palace, Premier League, Football, Stamford Bridge, London, UK - 04 Nov 2018 — (Picture: Rex Features)

The players agent recently said Loftus-Cheek would be forced to leave Chelsea if his playing time did not improve.

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Sarri is yet to hand Loftus-Cheek a Premier League start this season, and West Ham were hoping to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Loftus-Cheek spoke out on his future and admitted he understood why some people believe he needs to leave Chelsea.

Sarri does not want Loftus-Cheek to leave (Picture: Getty)

I hear it a lot, and I can see why people are saying that, because Im 22 now and havent got too many Premier League starts to my name, Loftus-Cheek said.

I havent played too many minutes, whether it be in the Premier League and the Championship, and at 22 its not seen as enough by some people. I do hear it. I love the club and I love Chelsea, I want to play for Chelsea.

Last season [moving to Palace on loan] was a decision I made because I hadnt played any football really, at the age of 21, and last season was great for me at Palace – 24 [appearances] I think I had in the Premier League, and then to go on and make my England debut. I made a lot of steps last year.

Playing football was massive for me and you can see why people want to see me play, and I want to play as well.

MORE: Chelsea scouting Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson ahead of potential January transfer

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