Gareth McAuley intends to keep bending the ear of Romelu Lukaku in the hope it will ensure his return to West Bromwiich Albion next season.
The 20-year-old scored 17 goals during his season-long period, netting a hat-trick on the final day of the campaign against Manchester United.
Chelsea have yet to decide whether they will keep him at Stamford Bridge for 2013/14. That decision will be made by the new Chelsea boss, expected to be Jose Mourinho.
West Ham have already stated they would like to sign Lukaku for next season but Steve Clarke has remained confident for some time that Albion stand a strong chance of him returning to the Black Country – provided Chelsea grant him another year-long loan move.
And, to help matters, McAuley intends to keep badgering away at his pal, having become good friends with him during the recent months.
He tweeted: "Alright big guy! If or when you come back in July don't bring this rascal leather cap! It might go missing."
"He's got 17 goals for us this season and if Chelsea don't keep him hopefully he will come back and get us 20-plus next season.
"He's been a force for us. He is a great player and we saw that on Sunday, when he came off the bench and changed it for us.
McAuley is looking forward to his summer break following a long season in which he missed just two Premier League games.
The 33-year-old continued: "I think it's the right time for the break. We have put a lot into the season and started to become a bit tired in the group.
"Eighth place was a fantastic achievement. We set out at the start of the season to better where we finished last year and we will probably set the same target next year when we come back for pre-season."
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