Romelu Lukaku expects to stay on loan with West Brom for the remainder of the season rather than return to parent club Chelsea in January, despite the appointment of Rafael Benitez.
The Blues are short of options up front, with Fernando Torres out of form and Daniel Sturridge currently injured, and are able to activate a clause during the transfer window which would bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge.
But the 19-year-old striker, who has scored four goals in 11 Premier League appearances for West Brom, expects to stay at the Hawthorns until May and – despite currently playing second fiddle behind the Baggies’ leading goalscorer Shane Long – is happy for that to be the case.
“I don’t think about the option,” Lukaku told the Wolverhampton Express and Star. “I am very happy to be here for one year.
“After January, I am sure I will be at West Brom. I am very happy to know that in my head. Hopefully, I will do well for the rest of the season.
“I don’t think things will change [after Rafael Benitez’s appointment). I think he has his plans and I am happy with the team here.
“If I focus too much on Chelsea it wouldn’t be good for me, so I will focus on being here. In my head, I am here for a year and it has to be clear I am here for a year and not for six months.”