West Ham and Chelsea in talks over transfer deal for Ruben Loftus-Cheek

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who is looking to strengthen his struggling squad with loan signings in the January transfer window with cash deals likely to be limited, has targeted the England Under 21 star.

Loftus-Cheek, 20, has made only one league appearance, as a substitute, this season under new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

He signed a new contract in February tying him to the club until 2021.

Chelsea currently have 37 players out on loan and have come under fire for their youth policy.

Loftus-Cheek made his Chelsea debut back in December 2014 and enjoyed a stint of appearances under interim manager Guus Hiddink last season.

Conte has already conceded the player could leave in the January transfer window.

Chelsea are set to send Loftus-Cheek out on loan in January

"I'm sure that Ruben has great potential," he said earlier this week.

"I think it's important to show this, to improve a lot on different aspects. Now he's in our squad. This season, he had a few injuries.

"But now he's in good form and I count on him.

"There will be a moment when I speak with my club and take the best decision, but I count on him because I think he has good potential."

Simone Zaza to leave

Meanwhile, West Ham loanee Simone Zaza is set to have his deal at the London Stadium terminated.

His agent confirmed Bilic has no plans to retain the Italy international and that he is likely to head back to parent side Juventus.