NOTTINGHAM FOREST IN ADVANCED TALKS WITH CHELSEA FOR LIAM DELAP

Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks with Chelsea over a deal for striker Liam Delap, according to multiple reports. The 23-year-old was omitted from Chelsea's squad for their match against Fulham at the start of the Premier League season. Delap has been training away from Chelsea's first team at Stamford Bridge and is available for transfer. Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest's head coach, has identified the striker as a priority signing before the transfer window closes.

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer after the club activated his release clause following Ipswich's relegation to the Championship. He has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the centre-forward position. One report indicated that Chelsea's asking price for the player stands at £50 million, though interested parties have suggested a deal in the region of £40 million may be possible. The reports do not specify the exact fee under discussion in Forest's talks with Chelsea, or whether negotiations centre on a permanent sale or a loan arrangement.

Forest have already made three signings this summer, including Ousmane Diomande for £34 million from Sporting CP. Glasner has stated that he wants two more high-quality signings before the transfer window closes. Reports indicate that Leeds United and Everton have also shown interest in Delap, though Forest appear closest to securing an agreement. Forest host Leeds in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday, with a trip to Liverpool scheduled for Saturday.