Liam Delap attracts Ipswich and Forest interest after Chelsea setback

Liam Delap could be offered a route out of Chelsea this summer, with Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest reportedly among the clubs considering a move for the 23-year-old striker.

Delap's position at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly uncertain under Xabi Alonso. He has lost the No 9 shirt to Joao Pedro and is reportedly among a group of Chelsea players training separately while potential departures are explored.

According to The Independent, several clubs have been alerted to Delap's possible availability, with Ipswich and Nottingham Forest among those considering a move.

A return to Ipswich would come only a year after the club sold him to Chelsea for £30m following their relegation from the Premier League.

Delap had established himself as an important player at Ipswich before earning his Stamford Bridge move, but his first season with Chelsea proved more difficult.

The England forward scored just once in the Premier League and now finds himself further down the attacking hierarchy following Alonso's arrival.

No concrete offer from Ipswich or Forest is reported at this stage, but Chelsea's willingness to consider changes to their attacking options could create an opportunity before the transfer deadline.

One of the clearest indications of Delap's changing status has been the decision to hand his No 9 shirt to Joao Pedro.

Delap is also said to be training separately from Alonso's main group, suggesting Chelsea are prepared for the possibility of him leaving.

For a 23-year-old striker, regular first-team football will be an important consideration. With Joao Pedro now ahead of him and Chelsea reshaping their squad under a new manager, a move elsewhere could provide Delap with a clearer pathway to minutes.

Ipswich's familiarity with the striker makes their reported interest particularly notable, while Nottingham Forest represent another possible Premier League destination.

Delap is not the only Chelsea forward facing an uncertain future.

Nicolas Jackson is also reportedly available after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Atlético Madrid are believed to be considering the Senegal international as they assess their own attacking options amid uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez.

Chelsea could therefore oversee significant movement in their forward department before the window closes, with Delap and Jackson both potentially departing.

Neither Ipswich nor Nottingham Forest are reported to have submitted a formal offer yet, so Delap's situation remains open.

What appears clearer is that his position at Chelsea has changed significantly. With the transfer deadline approaching and regular minutes potentially difficult to secure under Alonso, interest from Premier League clubs could develop quickly if Chelsea decide on the terms required for his departure.