Batshuayi to leave Chelsea on loan in January as Antonio Conte targets a new striker for squad

Antonio Conte will allow the £33million striker to be loaned out when next month’s window opens — and target a replacement.

Batshuayi, 24, hopes regular football in the second half of the season will book a World Cup spot with Belgium.

The ex-Marseille ace has scored only two league goals this term and is not a key part of Conte’s plans.

West Ham were keen last season and other clubs are ready to join the race.

Last week he came on as a sub against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League then scored two for Chelsea’s Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy.

But Batshuayi was left on the bench as Chelsea fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against West Ham on Saturday.

Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the game as Conte’s men failed to impress in east London.

And the Italian reckons Chelsea’s title defence is now over, explaining: “This is the fourth defeat this season in 16 games.

“When you have this stat, it’s impossible to think you’re in the title race.”