Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to remain on loan at West Brom

Youngster has found the back of the net seven times this season

West Brom are to retain the services of on loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku for the remainder of the season, the midlands club have confirmed.

Lukaku joined Albion for the entire campaign although Chelsea had the option to recall the player this month.

But the deadline to take Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge expired on Monday.

Lukaku has been in fine form, netting seven goals and being preferred to Shane Long as the lone central striker in some of the Baggies' recent matches.

A West Brom club spokesman confirmed: "Roman will remain at the Hawthorns for the rest of the season.

"Chelsea's January option to recall him expired on Monday."

Lukaku recently made it clear that he believes staying at Albion is important for his development at this stage of his career rather than being a bit-part player at Chelsea.

He also indicated that he would like to return on loan to the Hawthorns for next season before going back to the Blues.

Meanwhile, Albion will have to decide next summer whether to take up the 12-month option on midfielder Zoltan Gera's current contract which runs out in June.

Gera is sidelined for the second half of the season after suffering knee ligament damage during the weekend FA Cup tie at QPR.

The Hungarian international also missed the final six months of last season with a knee problem.

PA