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Jose Mourinho has warned Romelu Lukaku that Chelsea will decide where the striker plays next season - and not the player himself.

The Blues manager and Lukaku have traded barbs in recent weeks about the background to the forward's season-long loan switch to Everton.

And Mourinho today moved to slap down the Belgium international after Lukaku had suggested last weekend he could extend his stay at Goodison Park.

The Portuguese said: "Maybe there is a new rule in football where, when the season finishes, every player is free to decide his future. Maybe it's a new rule."

Mourinho's side face Sunderland on Wednesday night before a trip to Stoke on Saturday.

The manager admitted out of favour left back Ashley Cole remain on the bench with Cesar Azpilicueta continuing as first choice.

And he said: "I think any player that normally starts matches, and Ashley has started matches through all his career, when they don't start, naturally they're not the happiest guy in the camp.

"But professionally he is always. A team player? Yes. Friend of his friend? Yes.

"He deserves to play, but Azpilicueta is doing really well, so it's a question of Ashley working and waiting for his opportunity. But he's more than ready to play."

Mourinho added: "He could play in one of these two matches, I think he will. Or, if I decide not to, next week against Steaua Bucharest.

"It's a position where Azpilicueta has played a group of consecutive matches so sooner or later I'll have to change, so Ashley will play soon."