Man UTD Set To Lose Signing Loftus Cheek To Aston Villa From AC Milan
Man UTD Set To Lose Signing Loftus Cheek To Aston Villa on loan this January, with Aston Villa emerging as the stronger contender to bring the experienced midfielder back to the Premier League.
Sources indicate that while Manchester United were offered the chance to bring the 29-year-old England international to Old Trafford, it is now Villa who appear closest to securing a deal with AC Milan.
A development that could reshape both clubs’ mid-season plans. Loftus-Cheek, who rose to prominence in the Premier League with Chelsea and had productive loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham, has struggled for consistent starts since his move to AC Milan in the summer of 2023.
Despite making over 90 appearances for the Italian side, the midfielder has found himself increasingly on the periphery under the current coaching setup, which has fuelled speculation about a potential January exit.
Why Loftus-Cheek Is Available and What United Wanted
Manchester United were reportedly offered the opportunity to sign Loftus-Cheek on loan as part of their bid to bolster a midfield that has lacked depth in the early months of the 2025-26 season.
United’s struggles in midfield have been one of the talking points of their campaign, with injuries and inconsistent form prompting calls for reinforcements to help their bid for Champions League qualification.
Loftus-Cheek’s experience in the English game — having made more than 150 Premier League appearances before his move to Italy — made him an attractive option for Manchester United.
His physical presence, technical ability, and familiarity with the demands of the league would have provided an instant boost to a squad that is still trying to find balance in the centre of the park.
However, despite being made available to United, sources now suggest that the Red Devils have not opened formal negotiations with AC Milan or Loftus-Cheek’s representatives.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that while United have “been linked” with the midfielder as a potential target, there has been no direct contact yet between the clubs or with the player regarding a loan move.
In contrast, it is Villa who are actively discussing the possibility, and have already approached Loftus-Cheek and AC Milan about a potential transfer.
Aston Villa’s Interest and Midfield Needs
Aston Villa’s interest in Loftus-Cheek has gained traction largely due to a series of midfield injury setbacks. Villa have suffered a blow with Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending knee injury, and others like John McGinn and Ross Barkley have also spent time on the sidelines.
This has left manager Unai Emery scrambling for options as the club competes on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup.
Villa’s midfield woes have created urgency to strengthen, and Loftus-Cheek — with his Premier League experience and physical style — fits the profile of a player who could make an immediate impact.
Reports suggest Villa have already made initial enquiries and communicated interest through intermediaries as talks continue, although no formal loan offer has been lodged yet.
Given Villa’s current league position — sitting near the top of the Premier League table and pushing for European football — adding a player like Loftus-Cheek could be seen as a strategic move to maintain momentum and cover crucial gaps in the centre of the pitch.
AC Milan’s Position on the Loftus-Cheek Exit
From AC Milan’s perspective, decisions over Loftus-Cheek’s future are not straightforward.
While the midfielder has not been a regular starter this season, the Italian club are reportedly in discussions with him about a contract extension, which could influence any loan or permanent transfer plans.
Milan may be open to offers that match their valuation, but they are not actively pushing the player out unless it aligns with their broader squad strategy.
Loftus-Cheek’s current contract runs until 2027, and Milan’s stance seems to be one of measured interest in listening to offers rather than racing to offload him.
This could complicate a potential loan move, particularly if Villa or any other club cannot meet the terms Milan find acceptable.
Man UTD Set To Lose Signing Loftus Cheek To Aston Villa: What this means For The Red Devils
Man UTD Set To Lose Signing Loftus Cheek To Aston Villa would represent a setback in their January recruitment drive, highlighting the challenges the club faces in strengthening their midfield amid competition from other top Premier League sides.
With no negotiations yet underway, United may need to pivot quickly to alternative targets if they hope to add quality and depth before the window closes.
The club has also been linked with other midfield options this month, but securing a loan move for an experienced and ready-made player such as Loftus-Cheek would have been an easier short-term fix than waiting for younger, less established targets to adapt.
Loftus-Cheek’s Career Context
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s career has seen notable highs, including a breakthrough at Chelsea and a return to the England national team after a lengthy absence.
His spell at AC Milan has added valuable European experience, but the lack of regular starting minutes this season has revived interest from clubs back in England. Should Loftus-Cheek complete a move to Aston Villa — or another club — it would mark a return to familiar territory and offer him more consistent playing time at a crucial stage of his career.
For both Manchester United and Villa, his next destination is likely to be decided in the coming days as the January transfer window reaches its final weeks.
