Chelsea are willing to allow Liam Delap to depart this summer as Nottingham Forest show interest in signing him.

Delap is understood to be determined to remain at Stamford Bridge and compete for a spot in Xabi Alonso’s squad, having moved to the club for £30m during the previous summer transfer window.

However, Alonso is understood to be prepared to approve his sale, according to The Standard, after strengthening his forward line with the acquisitions of Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha this summer and with Joao Pedro expected to be his primary centre-forward.

Delap struggled through an injury-plagued first campaign at Stamford Bridge, finding the net just once in the Premier League and making 12 league starts as he served as understudy to Pedro.

When asked about Delap earlier this summer following a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, Alonso spoke positively about his contribution.

Alonso stated that every player involved was doing well, including Delap. He noted that Delap played 60 minutes and had to work hard against the centre-backs, making several good layoffs, and that Delap was doing well and preparing for the season.

When quizzed on whether he felt Delap was lacking in confidence, Alonso said he saw him in good spirits, with good desire to build proper fitness and football sharpness, and that he was doing well.