Has Potter’s comment opened the way back for Lukaku to Chelsea?

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has revealed on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is someone he admires.

The Belgian forward took a pay cut to leave Stamford Bridge for a loan switch to Inter Milan in the summer.

Although the Blues are willing to let Lukaku stay with the Italian side for another year, Inter are reluctant to pay the wages after Lukaku suffered an injury-hit season.

When asked about the former Everton and Manchester United striker, Potter sounded positive, which could indicate he is ready to work with the player.

"Although he is our player, he is on loan and an Inter Milan player. I think it is important he finishes that off. Then we have a decision to make in the summer," said Potter.

"He is someone I admire a lot, I like a lot but again it is something to think about over the summer."

Mateo Kovacic - with just 16 months left on his current deal - has been linked to Manchester City, and Potter revealed talks – which also include Mason Mount, who is linked with Manchester United and Liverpool - are ongoing.

"The club has conversations with players all the time," Potter explained. "It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s public.

"These things happen behind the scenes and when we’ve got something to report we can. Similar to Mason [Mount], he’s someone I have huge respect for as a person. He’s been great with us. Very supportive."

The former Brighton manager, however, also spoke about the size of Chelsea’s squad and admitted some players will be let to move on.

"Regardless of the ifs, the number of the squad is not optimal regardless of whatever competition we are in," the English manager added.

"I think everybody would suggest that’s correct. I think that’s a normal part of a football club’s business at the end of the season, different things happen and people move on.

"It might be because a player needs more game time or something else."

Chelsea will face Aston Villa on Saturday in a 7:30 PM (EAT) kick-off as they resume Premier League action.