Chelsea set to rival two Premier League rivals in £42m move for 19-year-old Portugal-based prodigy: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make a move to sign Sporting CP prodigy Conrad Harder ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal and West Ham United. The Blues are in the market for a striker this month as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

The west London outfit have kept a close eye on several players this month as they look to get an attacker or two for the remainder of the campaign. Their search has led them to Denmark U-21 international Harder, who is enjoying an impressive season in Portugal. He is considered the heir to Viktor Gyokeres, who is also being watched by several English sides with a view to moving in the summer.

TBR Football has revealed that Enzo Maresca's side are considering making a move to sign 19-year-old striker Conrad Harder to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson in attack.

The teenage star will be available for around £42 million this month despite having a release clause of around £67 million. With Christopher Nkunku's future looking uncertain and Marc Guiu considered not ready, the Blues are prepared to splash the cash once more.

Chelsea are not the only Premier League side interested in a move for the Danish youngster, with Arsenal and West Ham also having watched him in recent months.

Harder has played second-fiddle to Gyokeres at Sporting this season but has contributed nine goals and six assists in only 1,306 minutes of action. The Blues view him as a striker suited to the wants of Enzo Maresca and will try to bring him to Stamford Bridge this month.

Chelsea jump to front of queue for Ajax prodigy - Reports

Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue of clubs looking to sign Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato this month, as per CaughtOffside. The Blues have identified the versatile 18-year-old defender as one they would like to have, as his age and profile fit their recruitment strategy.

Hato has long been on the radars of several of Europe's top sides, having tallied 89 senior appearances for Ajax and five for the Dutch national team. The teenager is capable of playing at left-back or centre-back and has already captained the Ajax team despite his age.

Chelsea are now ahead of Arsenal and Real Madrid in the race for Hato, as per the aforementioned report. The Blues want the youngster to join them as he will provide another tactical piece for coach Enzo Maresca to utilize. They will reportedly need to spend around £40 to 45 million to sign Hato this month.