Nottingham Forest is actively working to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to reports. Delap, 23, has been placed on the transfer list by Chelsea with a reported asking price of £50 million. He is currently training separately from the first-team squad.
It is not yet clear whether Forest's discussions with Chelsea are focused on a permanent transfer or a loan agreement. The two clubs are noted to have a positive working relationship, which could facilitate negotiations.
Delap was notably excluded from Chelsea's squad for their recent Premier League match against Fulham. Furthermore, he lost his number nine shirt to fellow forward Joao Pedro just last week. His potential departure follows his £30 million move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town just over a year ago. However, injuries, including shoulder and hamstring issues, limited him to a single league goal last season.
Forest has been active in the transfer market this summer, securing the signing of defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting for £34 million. They have also added free agents midfielder Xaver Schlager and goalkeeper Steve Benda to their roster. However, the club has also seen significant player sales, including midfielder Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for a club-record £116 million and striker Taiwo Awoniyi to Coventry City for £9 million.
If Delap were to join Forest, he would provide competition for existing strikers Chris Wood and Igor Jesus at the City Ground.
Chelsea is aiming to facilitate a number of player sales and loan departures before the September 1 transfer deadline. The London club currently has 39 senior players on its books, indicating a need to trim the squad.