Chelsea exploring a swap deal for dynamic 27-year-old midfield veteran

Transfer News: Chelsea are exploring a swap deal involving Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t Manchester Evening News), Chelsea are exploring a swap deal involving Ruben Loftus-Cheek for SS Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The 27-year-old has long been linked with a move to Manchester United. But now the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit, with the west London side also joining the pursuit.

It is believed that the Blues are wanting to offer a straight swap for the Serbian, with the Englishman going the other way. The 27-year-old sees his current contract expire in 2024.

Milinkovic-Savic has established himself as one of the best in Serie A since making a move to Lazio in 2015 from KRC Genk. The 27-year-old is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Italy, and maybe Europe too.

He has played in 20 games for his side in all competitions, scoring five and assisting another seven in the process. Graham Potter could do with a strong and experienced figure like him in his midfield.

N’Golo Kante has struggled for fitness this season and also sees his contract expire next summer. There have been no talks as such for a renewal with the Frenchman past his prime. His absence is being felt in the middle of the park and Milinkovic-Savic could help solve that problem.

The Serbian has good experience under his belt, with also his physical features making him a strong presence anywhere. Plus, the midfielder is 27, an age when players are usually at their prime.

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• Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso wants Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay till the end of the season
• Liverpool and Juventus track Mason Mount after Chelsea contract stand-off

Milinkovic-Savic will be featuring for his country in the World Cup starting next week. Decent performances there could entice the Blues to make a move for him in January. Whether the Italian club is open to the swap deal remains to be seen.