Nottingham Forest have emerged as one of the leading Premier League suitors for Liam Delap as Chelsea strengthen their attacking options and prepare to grant the forward permission to leave.
Delap, who turned 23 last month, attracted significant interest last year after his first top-flight season with Ipswich Town, with Chelsea winning the race for his services ahead of Manchester United and Everton in a deal believed to be worth £30 million.
However, the son of ex-Derby County midfielder Rory Delap endured a challenging debut season at Stamford Bridge, finding the net just once in league action and twice across all competitions in 42 appearances.
New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has secured the signing of experienced forward Danny Welbeck and is prepared to allow Delap to depart, with the club valuing him at approximately £40 million.
Forest, along with Everton, Newcastle United and Leeds United, have been mentioned in national reports. Oliver Glasner is understood to be seeking a strong, quick centre-forward capable of linking up with Chris Wood, and Delap appears to fit those requirements.
Glasner has shown a preference for having a focal point in his attack, having utilised Jean-Philippe Mateta in that capacity during his time at Crystal Palace, and he was prepared to spend £48 million on Jorgen Strand Larsen back in February.
The Yorkshire Evening Post has effectively dismissed Leeds’ interest, stating that club sources indicate Delap is not a striker they are pursuing despite speculation elsewhere. Football Insider, however, reports that initial contact has been made.
Newcastle find themselves in uncertain times following Eddie Howe’s departure after five years in charge on Thursday, with their favoured replacement, 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle currently at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, not yet confirmed.
Everton would need to break their transfer record to remain competitive in pursuit. Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson remains their priciest acquisition, having arrived for £45 million almost nine years ago.
David Moyes publicly expressed his interest in Delap last summer, stating that discussions had taken place, the player had engaged with several clubs, West Ham had presented their case, and while they appeared somewhat behind other contenders, there remained hope for a potential outcome.
A move to Forest would constitute their largest ever signing, eclipsing the £37.5 million spent on Delap’s former Ipswich teammate Omari Hutchinson, though funds are available following Elliot Anderson’s switch to Manchester City.