Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has affirmed that the Blues have the option of recalling Belgium international forward Romelu Lukaku from his season-long loan spell at West Bromwich Albion when the transfer window re-opens in January, Sky Sports reports.
“There’s an option in January for us,” Di Matteo confirmed.
“It’s a one-year loan but we have a clause. He’s had a good impact but we look forward to him starting a run of games and seeing him progress.”
Lukaku, who scored the Baggies’ lone goal against Newcastle United on Sunday, has netted three goals in eight Premier League appearances (two starts) for Albion this season.
The 19-year-old Belgium international could be recalled by Chelsea because the club have a lack of depth at striker at the moment, with Fernando Torres the only true No. 9 in Roberto Di Matteo’s squad.
Torres has scored six goals in 15 competitive appearances in all competitions for Chelsea in 2012-13, including four goals in nine games in the English Premier League.
The Spaniard tallied just six league goals in 32 appearances for the Blues last term, while adding three goals and four assists in 10 Champions League appearances and another two goals and four assists in the English FA Cup (five appearances).
Torres’ form has definitely improved, but Chelsea need another option in case the 28-year-old suffers an injury or endures another horrid spell of form in front of goal.
Ayew enjoying life at Marseille
Ghana international forward Jordan Ayew has revealed that he almost left Olympique de Marseille for OGC Nice after the arrival of new boss Elie Baup, while insisting that he is very happy with life at Marseille, Sky Sports understands.
Ayew, the younger brother of Marseille winger Andre Ayew, has tallied three goals and one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions for L’OM this season.
“Did I meet Elie Baup in August to leave?” Ayew told L’Equipe.
“I was frank. Everyone knew the situation, the coach and the chairman.
“The team was playing well. It was logical there was no position for me in the starting XI.
“The officials wanted me to stay and asked me to be patient. I am very happy to be at L’OM. I try to make efforts to channel my passion.”
Marseille are three points behind unbeaten Paris Saint-Germain and level on points, 19, with Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 table, but Les Phocéens have a game in hand on both PSG and Toulouse.
L’OM are scheduled to take on top-of-the-table Paris Saint-Germain in the French Coupe de la Ligue at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, 31 October.
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