Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku is likely to leave the club on loan this season.

The 19-year-old striker joined the Blues in an £18m move from Anderlecht last summer but has found his first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge.

Despite the departure of influential striker Didier Drogba and his Ivorian compatriot Salomon Kalou, Lukaku still faces competition for a starting berth from Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge.

The potential arrival of another forward would restrict the Belgian's chances further and Di Matteo believes that a loan move would be the best option for his development.

"At this stage of his career the most important thing is to play," said Di Matteo.

"It might be a bit more difficult here with us so it's the best choice to let him go out on loan."

Premier League pair Fulham and West Bromwich Albion are thought to be leading the chase.