Lukaku needed to play

Romelu Lukaku: Needed first-team football but will return to Chelsea next season

Romelu Lukaku's agent insists the forward still has a future at Chelsea despite being sent on loan to West Brom for the season.

The 19-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at the Hawthorns as he searches for first-team football following a disappointing season spent on the fringes of the Blues squad.

But the Belgium international's agent Christoph Henrotay is adamant that the former Anderlecht man still has ambitions of making a success of his time at the European champions.

Asked if the youngster still has a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, Henrotay told The Newspaper in Belgium: "Of course, Chelsea count on Lukaku.

Evaluate

"They will continue to follow him and evaluate after the season.

"There was so much interest. But West Brom is an ideal club at which to evolve.

"It is also important that Romelu can keep playing in the Premier League. Romelu has thanked Chelsea.

"The boy has two seasons of football played with Anderlecht. Another year on the bench was not an option. This is the best for all parties."