Nottingham Forest are in active discussions over a deal to bring Chelsea striker Liam Delap to the City Ground, according to reports.

Chelsea have made the 23-year-old available for £50m, with Delap now training away from the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge. Whether Forest are pursuing a permanent transfer or a loan arrangement remains unclear, though the two clubs are said to enjoy a strong working relationship.

Delap's situation at Chelsea has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. He was absent from the squad for Chelsea's Premier League clash with Fulham on Monday, and lost the number 9 shirt to fellow forward Joao Pedro last week — signs that he no longer figures in the club's plans.

A difficult debut season

The striker arrived at Stamford Bridge just over a year ago in a £30m move from Ipswich Town, but a debut campaign hampered by shoulder and hamstring injuries yielded only one Premier League goal. Chelsea are now seeking to recoup significantly more than they paid for him.

Chelsea are under pressure to trim a bloated squad ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline, with 39 senior players currently on their books. The club are looking to push through several sales and loan departures before the window closes.

Forest's busy summer window

Forest have already shown ambition in the transfer market this summer. Defender Ousmane Diomande arrived from Sporting for £34m, while midfielder Xaver Schlager and goalkeeper Steve Benda joined as free agents.

However, the club have also absorbed two significant departures. England midfielder Elliot Anderson was sold to Manchester City for a club-record £116m, while striker Taiwo Awoniyi moved to Coventry City for £9m.

Should Delap complete a move to the City Ground, he would add to an attacking unit that already features Chris Wood and Igor Jesus, giving manager Nuno Espírito Santo greater firepower heading into the new season.