Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, potentially hijacking Premier League rivals Everton in the process.
Reports from talkSPORT indicate that Delap is keen to remain in the Premier League beyond this summer transfer window.
Chelsea have placed a £40m price tag on the striker, despite him enduring a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge following his £30m arrival.
Delap managed just one Premier League goal last season, averaging a modest 0.08 goals per 90 minutes as Joao Pedro displaced him from the starting XI.
However, his previous form at Ipswich Town demonstrated his genuine quality, as he scored on 12 occasions in 37 Premier League appearances during the 2024-25 season.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler was among his most vocal admirers, having tracked the striker from his days in Manchester City’s youth academy.
“At my former club [St. Pauli] I heard his name because we heard that he’s a special talent, right when he played for City in the youth academy, and he had impressive performances,” Hurzeler said.
“I think he is the whole package and has had impressive performances for someone so young. He plays like an experienced striker and is so fast and athletic with a shot. He’s a big danger.”
Forest’s interest in Delap comes as the club looks to ease its reliance on Morgan Gibbs-White, who top scored with 15 Premier League goals last season.
Chris Wood, who contributed just three goals, will turn 35 in December, raising genuine concerns about Forest’s long-term striking options heading into the new campaign.
Igor Jesus managed only six Premier League goals last season, further underlining Oliver Glasner’s need to add a proven frontman to his attacking ranks.
Everton are currently considered the frontrunners for Delap’s signature, but Forest’s entry into the race complicates matters considerably for the Merseyside club.
Newcastle United and Manchester United, who showed interest last summer, have also been named as potential suitors, making this one of the summer’s most competitive pursuits.
Forest are simultaneously working to strengthen their midfield, with Glasner personally keen on signing AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana for a reported £13m fee.
Fofana contributed two goals and three assists in 33 Serie A matches last season, though AC Milan are reportedly prepared to sell the Frenchman this summer.