Chelsea midfielder joins Palace on loan

LONDON (Reuters) - Ruben Loftus-Cheek has joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea to become new manager Frank de Boer's first signing, the Eagles announced on Wednesday.

(Reuters)

The 21-year-old midfielder has made 32 appearances for Chelsea but struggled for extended first-team exposure last season.

"Palace have a very strong team and I'd like to be a part of that this season," said Loftus-Cheek.

"I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace are a good club."

Palace play their first game of the new season against Huddersfield Town on Aug. 12.

(Reporting by Neil Robinson; Editing by Christian Radnedge)