Patrick Bamford has scored 17 Championship goals this season.

Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford is a target for Southampton as they look to bolster their attacking options next season, sources have told ESPN FC.

Bamford has spent this campaign on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough and has impressed during his stint at the Riverside.

The England under-21 international has scored 17 league goals to spearhead Boro’s promotion bid and was rewarded for his performances with the Championship Player of the Year prize at the recent Football League awards.

Bamford is due to return to Stamford Bridge this summer, and although he is highly regarded by Blues manager Jose Mourinho he could find it hard to break into Chelsea’s star-studded side.

The 21-year-old has previously said he would consider another loan move next season rather than be sitting on the sidelines at Chelsea, and that has alerted a host of clubs.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman is an admirer of Bamford and sees the skilful forward as someone who could fit into his plans next season.

Chelsea could be willing to loan Bamford to a Premier League rival next season, feeling that could be the next stage in his development after successful spells in League One and the Championship in the last two years.