Chelsea are considering a move for Sporting Lisbon’s young striker Conrad Harder as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, according to reports.

The Blues started the campaign in impressive form but have struggled for consistency, prompting concerns over their attacking firepower. Nicolas Jackson, the club’s primary striker, has failed to score since mid-December, while Chelsea’s wider attacking options—Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho—have only managed three goals combined since the turn of the year.

Despite opting against bringing in reinforcements during the January window, Chelsea are expected to be active in the summer market, with a centre-forward high on their list of priorities.

Reports from talkSPORT suggest that Chelsea have already dispatched scouts to monitor Harder, who has been filling in for Sporting’s star striker Viktor Gyokeres during his injury absence. The 19-year-old Danish forward has registered 11 goals in all competitions this season despite playing a supporting role to the Swedish talisman.

While Gyokeres is expected to attract interest from top European clubs, Harder is also seen as a valuable asset, with a release clause of €80m (£67m) in his contract.

Harder, who joined Sporting from Danish club Nordsjaelland last summer, has yet to make his senior debut for Denmark but has featured twice for the U21 national team. He has also been linked with Manchester United, where former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim could seek a reunion with his former player.

With Chelsea looking to add firepower to Enzo Maresca’s squad, Harder could emerge as a viable option to compete with Jackson and add much-needed depth to the Blues’ frontline.