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. 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. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)