Nottingham Forest pursuing deal for Chelsea striker Liam Delap

Nottingham Forest is actively working to secure a deal for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to reports. The 23-year-old England international has been put up for sale by Chelsea with a reported £50 million valuation and is currently training away from the main squad.

It remains uncertain whether negotiations are focused on a permanent transfer or a loan agreement. However, the two clubs are known to maintain a positive working relationship, which could facilitate the move. Delap's potential departure from Chelsea follows his exclusion from the squad for the recent Premier League match against Fulham and the loss of his number nine shirt to teammate Joao Pedro.

Delap joined Chelsea for £30 million from Ipswich Town just over a year ago. His first season at Stamford Bridge was hampered by shoulder and hamstring injuries, limiting him to just one league goal. His arrival at the City Ground would offer competition for current forwards Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking to offload several players before the September 1 transfer deadline, with 39 senior players currently on their books. Forest has already been busy this summer, signing defender Ousmane Diomande and midfielders Xaver Schlager and Steve Benda. They also notably sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for a club-record £116 million and striker Taiwo Awoniyi to Coventry City for £9 million.