Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has declared that he would welcome the chance to play alongside Wayne Rooney at Stamford Bridge this season.
The Blues had a bid rejected by Manchester United for the England international last week, but are still believed to be chasing the forward's signature.
Lukaku has insisted that any extra competition for places can only by healthy for Chelsea and believes that he is ready to make an impact on the first team regardless.
He told The Guardian: "You know when you are playing for a team like Chelsea there is going to be competition. I like competition and have done from the first time I came here.
"You have to accept that you have to work hard to make it a successful squad. If [Rooney] is part of our team I will welcome him with open arms. I feel I am making an impact. I am confident in my qualities and I am just keeping going like I have been doing. Hopefully I will continue to do so.
"Sure, I can score more goals, I can get more assists, I can do more for the team. So I have to keep improving. I can score with both feet and with my head, I am very quick and skilful. I can do a bit of everything but I can improve on things as well."
The 20-year-old scored 17 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season while on loan at West Bromwich Albion under Jose Mourinho's former assistant Steve Clarke.
Liam Power
