Chelsea's Loftus-Cheek keen to be 'part of the team' after securing loan move to Crystal Palace

England under-21 midfielder becomes Frank de Boer's first signing since becoming Palace manager last month.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek will spend next season on-loan at Premier League club Crystal Palace. Scott Heavey / Press Association

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said he is looking forward to more regular first-team football this season after the England Under-21 midfielder signed for Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal on Wednesday.

Chelsea's Lofuts-Cheek, 21, becomes new Palace manager Frank de Boer's first signing since the Dutchman was appointed last month.

"I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me," Loftus-Cheek told Palace's official site.

"I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is a good club so I thought it's a good chance to play here and be a part of the team.

"They have a very strong team and I'd like to be a part of that this season."

Loftus-Cheek featured six times in Chelsea's title-winning campaign last season. He has made 32 appearances for Chelsea across the past three seasons, scoring twice.

In addition to his club career, the midfielder has been capped by England at youth levels and has won 17 caps for the under-21 side since 2015.