Chelsea are plotting a surprise move for out-of-favour Leicester City striker Islam Slimani, reports the Metro.

The Blues have been linked with a number of forwards over the past week, including both Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch, however are now believed to have turned their attention to Slimani.

Manager Antonio Conte wants to bring in a ‘targetman-like’ striker to help out Alvaro Morata – who has failed to score in his last six games – and add a different dimension to the Blues’ play, and is thought Slimani fits the bill.

The former Sporting Lisbon star joined Leicester City as their club record signing the summer of 2016 after the Foxes had won the Premier League, however has failed to establish himself as a first team regular at the King Power Stadium.

The Algerian scored just eight times in all competitions last season, and has managed just five this time around – only one of those coming in the Premier League.

With Leicester City failing to qualify for Europe, Slimani remains eligible to play in the Champions League should he sign for Chelsea before the end of the month, with the Blues set to take on Barcelona in the last-16.

Chelsea would prefer to take Slimani on-loan, however it is believed Leicester would rather try and recoup a chunk of the £28 million for him 18-months-ago.

Newcastle United and West Ham are also thought to be interest in the Leicester City hitman.