Chelsea have reportedly identified Wigan Athletic forward Joe Gelhardt as a potential future signing.

The 17-year-old has featured regularly in the first-team squad at the DW Stadium this season, making a total of seven substitute outings in the Championship.

The England Under-18 international has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, who may be ready to move for the teenager in January or at the end of the campaign.

However, according to the Daily Star, Chelsea also see Gelhardt as a possible addition as Frank Lampard monitors the progression of English football's top prospects.

While the Blues are currently serving a two-window transfer ban, the West Londoners will look to halve their punishment before the end of 2019.

Gelhardt penned a contract as recently as last week, although that is unlikely to prevent teams from making bids for his signature.