Chelsea have reportedly registered their interest in signing Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Gelhardt according to the Daily Star. 

Manchester United and Liverpool have previously been interested in signing the striker, who has been impressive in his breakthrough season with the Latics.

Gelhardt has made six appearances in total for Paul Cook's side, scoring once in his first full season with the Championship side.

But Chelsea's chances of coming to an agreement with the 17-year-old could be slim, with Gelhardt recently signing a new contract with Wigan over the weekend.

A move to the Premier League is always going to be tempting for any player though, and it doesn't seem likely that the speculation about his future at Wigan will die down anytime soon.

We take a look at TWO reasons why Gelhardt should choose Chelsea over Manchester United after their rumoured interest.

There is a clear pathway to the first team 

Since Frank Lampard was appointed as Chelsea's manager during the summer, a number of the club's promising young players have been featuring in the first team on a regular basis.

The likes of Reece James, Mason Mount and even Billy Gilmour have been given a chance which will be pleasing to see for any of the other players currently in the academy.

Gelhardt already has experience of playing in senior football, and could be tempted by a move to Chelsea, who evidently have a clear pathway from under 23's football through to the first team.

He could work under a promising manager 

Frank Lampard is a man that is certainly loved around Stamford Bridge at this moment in time, and it's clear to see why.

The ()-year-old was a legend during his player career with the Blues, and he's definitely brought the feel-good factor back to Chelsea who have struggled in recent years.

Lampard is a relatively new manager still, after having just one full season in management, in an impressive spell with Derby County in the Championship last term.

He's already given chances to younger players, and Gelhardt will surely be tempted by a move to Chelsea to work under a manager with the reputation that Lampard has in the game.