Jose Mourinho has played down Chelsea’s interest in Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, and has instead focused his attention on developing Ruben Loftus-Cheek into a first-team contender.
Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Hull on Sunday, the Chelsea boss rubbished reports that he was interested in signing the 22-year old Frenchman and insisted he will instead look to Chelsea’s youth for stars of the future.
Pogba had been linked with a big money move to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea looked to improve their squad for next season.
However, Chelsea starlet Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who plays in a similar position to Pogba, will be the man that Chelsea look to according to Mourinho.
“I don’t speak about Pogba or other players,” Mourinho said.
“The only thing I can tell you is that we look to our midfield players and between Fabregas, Matic, Ramires, Ruben, Mikel… we have a good group.”
Next season Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be competing for a first-team position. At the moment we are protecting him.
“Next season he will not be a number, he will be a player”, he insisted.
Chelsea fans will be delighted to hear such comments from Mourinho after years of frustration in seeing promising talent failing to make an impact at the club.
Loftus-Cheek has made two appearances for the Blues this season but, following Mourinho’s comments, he can expect to be far more involved in seasons to come.
