Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan deal, the Daily Mail understands.
Lukaku was relegated to the bench for the majority of his first season with the Blues last term, starting just one league match following his high profile switch from Belgian Pro League giants R.S.C. Anderlecht.
All in all, the Belgium international made 12 appearances (4 starts) in all competitions for Chelsea, tallying one assist.
“I’m very excited. After last season, where I was able to adjust and prepare for this season, I can’t wait to start at West Brom,” Lukaku told Chelsea TV.
“It’s very important because, like Chelsea, West Brom play in the Premier League, but it will also be a good learning school for me where I need to work hard with the players around me.”
Baggies confirm Rosenberg capture
In other news, West Brom have confirmed the signing of Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg, who will join the club on a three-year contract.
Rosenberg will join new arrivals Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Yassine El Ghanassy (AA Gent, loan), Claudio Yacob (Racing Club de Avellaneda) and Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, loan) at the Hawthorns.
Rosenberg bagged 10 goals and five assists in 33 German Bundesliga appearances (26 starts) for Werder Bremen last term.
West Brom are set to host Liverpool at the Hawthorns on the first day of the 2012-13 English Premier League campaign (Saturday, August 18).
Alou Diarra signs for West Ham
France international midfielder Alou Diarra has joined Premier League newcomers West Ham United, for a transfer fee of £2 million from French giants Olympique de Marseille, on a three-year contract, ESPN Soccernet reports.
Diarra, formerly of Liverpool, is undoubtedly the Hammers’ marquee summer signing, joining the likes of Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton Wanderers), Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth), Mohamed Diame (Wigan Athletic), George McCartney (Sunderland), James Collins (Aston Villa) and Modibo Maiga (Sochaux) at Upton Park.
“I am very happy to be here at West Ham – everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League,” he told the club’s official website.
“I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.”
Diarra made 56 appearances (48 starts) for club and country in 2011-12, bagging two goals and one assist. He also started three matches for France at the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship in Poland-Ukraine this summer.
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