Chelsea turn to Sporting striker Harder as Jackson’s Bayern move stalls

Chelsea have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over forward Conrad Harder after halting Nicolas Jackson’s loan switch to Bayern Munich, Sport360NG reports.

The Blues had initially sanctioned a £13m loan move for Jackson, 24, but withdrew their approval on Saturday, shortly after Liam Delap picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-0 victory over Fulham.

In response, Chelsea reached out to both Harder and Sporting to explore the possibility of a deal, with head coach Enzo Maresca concerned Delap could be sidelined for up to two months.

Jackson, who remains in Germany, is still eager to leave Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea now want Bayern to restructure their offer into a permanent transfer, which would generate funds for a new striker.

Options on the table

Bringing in Harder while cashing in on Jackson is seen as the most favourable route, but Chelsea must first agree terms with Sporting and persuade the 20-year-old Denmark international to join a frontline that already has competition.

Another possibility would be to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, though that would depend on negotiations between the clubs. Chelsea could also decide to call Jackson back to London if no agreement is reached before the window closes.

With the transfer deadline looming at 19:00 BST on Monday, Chelsea are also finalising a season-long loan for Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. Prior to Delap’s injury, the club had lodged an approach for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.

Meanwhile, the Blues continue efforts to move on several fringe players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana.