Chelsea to recall on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku in January

West Brom head coach Steve Clarke has admitted that he would be unable to stop Chelsea if they wished to recall striker Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge in January.

The Belgium international, who is on loan at the Hawthorns, scored the winning goal on his full debut for the Baggies in their 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday.


Lukaku has now scored two goals in four matches, prompting reports suggesting that the Blues, who have only two recognised strikers in their squad in Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge, could end the temporary deal prematurely.

"If he scores 20 goals by Christmas and Chelsea want him back, there's not a lot I can do," Clarke told reporters.

The former Anderlecht forward, meanwhile, reiterated that he had not been put off having a future at Chelsea despite the limited opportunities he received in the season that followed his multi-million pound transfer.

"My dream is to play for Chelsea," he said. "I just want to make the best out of my career."

Lukaku is only 19 years of age but hoped that, in the meantime, he could continue to prove that he was ready for a role of responsibility at West Brom.

"I'm just 19 and people will still look at me like a baby," he added. "But I want to play as much as I can."

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